What happened?
Israeli media report an exchange of fire along the border and Israel claims that it repelled an attack from Hezbollah. Sources with insight into Hezbollah say that members of the militia have entered the disputed border area at the Shebaa Farms, which is on the border between Lebanon, Israel and Syria. Residents in the area have also heard explosions and automatic fire, but Hezbollah itself denies this and claims that it was a unilateral attack by the Israeli military.
Why is it happening now?
- This is happening after tensions between Israel and Hezbollah have increased. About a week ago, a Hezbollah member in Syria was killed in an Israeli missile attack outside Damascus. Israel has carried out hundreds of missile attacks in Syria and Hezbollah has long threatened retaliation. Although the militia says it was not behind today's attack, it warns that revenge against Israel will be demanded soon.
What consequences can this have?
- Even if Hezbollah says that it has not been involved today, there is always a great deal of concern about an escalation between Israel and the militia group. Israel is formally at war with both Lebanon and Syria, where the country is trying to prevent Iran, which supports Hezbollah, from establishing itself. But since Hezbollah has not yet taken on anything, it is difficult to say what the consequences may be.