A highly tense atmosphere prevailed in southern Lebanon on Wednesday morning in the wake of the assassination of Saleh al-Arouri, the second in command of Hamas’ political wing in Lebanon.
Arouri was killed on Tuesday in a drone strike attributed to Israel, in the heart of the southern suburbs of Beirut, Hezbollah’s stronghold. At least six other members of the Palestinian movement’s leadership were also killed in the strike.
“We are particularly concerned about a possible escalation that would have devastating repercussions on the inhabitants of localities on both sides of the Blue Line,” said Candice Ardell, deputy spokeswoman for UNIFIL, on Wednesday.
“We continue to call for a ceasefire on all sides, and for all mediators to work towards restraint,” she added in an interview with the National News Agency.
Against this backdrop of tension, the Israeli army announced on Wednesday that it had reinforced the Iron Dome security system along the border with Lebanon and Galilee. Soldiers are also on high alert along the entire border.
On the ground, the Israeli army targeted the outskirts of the towns of Al-Bustan and Aita al-Shaab on Wednesday morning. Reconnaissance aircraft flew over the western and central sectors until dawn, while flare bombs were dropped on border villages.
Hezbollah announced, late on Tuesday night, that it had targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers at the Al-Marj position.
