Israeli army says Hezbollah fighter crossed border as northern communities placed on high alert
The Israeli military said a Hezbollah fighter crossed from Lebanon into Israeli territory before being killed in an exchange of fire with Israeli forces, triggering a major security alert across parts of northern Israel.
In a statement, the army said its forces identified the fighter after he crossed the border in the Mount Ramim area and opened fire shortly afterwards.
The military said ground troops, special forces units and air force aircraft participated in the pursuit and search operations that followed the incident.
According to a preliminary military investigation cited by Israeli Army Radio, the fighter managed to penetrate an area beyond the border fence and was carrying a rifle and a knife. Israeli security officials said he exchanged fire with Israeli troops after entering Israeli territory.
The incident prompted security authorities to place several northern communities on high alert. Residents of Margaliot, Manara and Misgav Am were instructed to remain indoors while security forces conducted searches in the area.
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Israeli authorities also closed a number of roads near the border amid concerns that additional infiltrators could be operating in the vicinity.
Israeli officials described the incident as a serious security breach, noting that it occurred despite ongoing military operations in southern Lebanon and the establishment of a security zone intended to prevent cross-border incursions.
The army has opened an investigation into how the fighter was able to cross the border and reach Israeli positions before being detected.
The incident has also prompted criticism from local officials in northern Israel, who argued that existing security measures have not fully eliminated the threat of cross-border attacks.
Eitan Davidi, head of the Margaliot local council, described the incident as a warning sign for communities near the Lebanese border.
“What happened is a serious warning for the residents of the north,” Davidi said, cautioning that similar incidents could revive security concerns despite ongoing Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon.
The incident comes amid continued tensions along the Lebanese-Israeli frontier, where clashes, air strikes and cross-border attacks have persisted despite efforts to maintain a ceasefire.
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