Daijiworld Media Network - Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv, Jun 6: The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said it detected surface-to-air missile launches by Hezbollah targeting Israeli Air Force aircraft, in an incident that heightened tensions despite a recently announced ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon.
In a statement issued on Friday, the IDF said the missiles were fired toward Israeli military aircraft but caused no injuries or damage. The incident prompted air raid sirens to sound across northern Israel, including the city of Kiryat Shmona and several nearby communities close to the Lebanese border, sending residents to shelters as a precaution.
The missile launches came just days after Israel and Lebanon reportedly agreed to implement a ceasefire following diplomatic efforts involving trilateral talks in Washington.
Meanwhile, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun strongly criticised Iran's role in regional negotiations, accusing it of using Lebanon as leverage in discussions with the United States. In an interview with journalist Christiane Amanpour, Aoun said Lebanon should not be treated as a bargaining tool by external powers while its citizens continue to suffer the consequences of conflict.
His remarks followed a statement by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, which said one of Iran's key conditions for accepting a recent truce proposal was the establishment of a comprehensive ceasefire across all fronts, including Lebanon.
Aoun also criticised Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem, arguing that the vast majority of Lebanese people are exhausted by years of instability and conflict and wish to live in peace.
The Lebanese President emphasised that any long-term solution must come through negotiations and state-led efforts to address the factors behind Hezbollah's armed presence, including unresolved territorial disputes and ongoing hostilities with Israel.
He further asserted that the interests of the Lebanese people should take precedence over political or regional agendas, warning against attempts to destabilise the government through protests or other pressure tactics.
The latest developments underscore the fragility of the ceasefire and highlight the continuing challenges facing efforts to ease tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border.