IDF Lt.-Col. Alim Abdallah, deputy commander of Brigade 300, was killed while fighting alongside additional Israeli security forces to eliminate several armed individuals who penetrated a small distance into Israeli territory on the border with Lebanon in the Western Galilee on Monday.
The Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorist group claimed responsibility for the infiltration.
As of press time, the number of invaders still had not been clarified, but the initial indications were that it was a relatively small force.
IAF helicopters were deployed to strike targets in Lebanese territory, the IDF said, and security forces were swarming the border area in question.
Hezbollah member killed in bombardment
Later on Monday, sources close to Hezbollah and a Lebanese security source said a Hezbollah member had been killed in an Israeli bombardment in southern Lebanon, Reuters reported.
In response, Hezbollah fired a small number of rockets, and the IDF returned limited artillery fire.
Also on Monday, the Ma’aleh Yosef Regional Council said an active shooting event was taking place near the Lebanese border. Local communities were ordered to remain indoors. The council said roads had been blocked and that local residents should report how many people were in each shelter and how many people were in their area.
Shortly thereafter, the National Emergency Portal issued orders for more northern communities to shelter in place.The communities listed in the order were Avivim, Adamit, Bar’am, Jordah, An Nawakir, Dovev, Dishon, Dafna, Zar’it, Hanita, Tulaip, Yuval, Yiftah, Yiron, Metulla, Malkiya, Ma’ayan Baruch, Margaliot, Misgav Am, Matat, Netua, Agar, Arab el-Aramsha, Rosh Hanikra, Shomera, Shlomi, and Shtula.
Residents of these communities were told to shelter in place until further notice. Additionally, they were advised to bring communication devices, food, water, mattresses, blankets, medications, and additional essential supplies to their secure areas, as well as to seal doors and windows securely.
Later on Monday night, residents were given permission to leave shelters.
On Sunday, Hezbollah fired a symbolic number of rockets at Israel, and the IDF responded in a limited fashion, including destroying an outpost tent that Hezbollah had placed slightly in Israeli territory several months ago.
Initially, the attempted invasion and heightened tensions with Lebanon on Monday raised concerns that Hezbollah was seeking to join the conflict between Israel and Gaza. But as of press time, Hezbollah had not undertaken additional violent actions.