Despite extensive IDF soldiers throughout southern Lebanon, a terrorist on Tuesday managed to penetrate the border fence with Lebanon before IDF troops killed him.
The terrorist fired at soldiers from an observation tower in Israeli territory, but was shot by IDF troops and killed immediately.
IDF sources emphasized to The Jerusalem Post that the terrorist did fire on IDF troops from within Israeli territory, but only having just crossed through the border fence, and not any further in.
According to a military investigation of the incident, he was in uniform and armed with a long knife and a handgun.
The IDF said that to date, the terrorist's affiliation could not be identified. The incident occured only about a kilometer from Margaliyot.
Regardless, the penetration itself into Israeli territory at a time when the IDF nominally has said it has full control of southern Lebanon was a major embarrassment for the military and a public relations win for the Lebanese terror group.
It could also undermine the sense of safety among northern residents, some of whom, in Margaliot, Manara, and Misgav Am, were told to remain in their homes until the situation was resolved at around 6 p.m.
Upon receiving the report, the 91st Division commander, Brig. Gen. Yuval Gaz, and the 769th Regional Brigade commander, Col. Yuval Mazuz, arrived on-site with additional forces to conduct a preliminary investigation and confirm that the incident was isolated.
"We do not rule out the possibility that this was a terrorist who stayed underground or barricaded in a building for a very long time and decided to come out," one military source said.
IDF struck in southern Lebanon before Hezbollah terrorists infiltrated Israeli territory
Earlier Tuesday, the IDF carried out multiple strikes in the city of Tyre, following statements by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz, as well as yesterday’s clashes with Iran.
The IDF spokesperson issued a warning to residents of Tire, including those in the Christian neighborhood: "For your safety, we call on you to immediately evacuate your homes in the area shown on the map and move to the north of the al-Zahrani River. Being close to Hezbollah operatives, their facilities, or their weapons endangers your lives."
According to the spokesperson, because of Hezbollah activity originating from the Christian neighborhood, the IDF may be forced to act against terrorist operations there in the near future.