BEIRUT (AP) — The Lebanese military announced the detention of individuals linked to the rocket attacks targeting Israel last month. In a statement released late Wednesday night, the army confirmed that several detainees, including a number of Palestinians, were implicated in two distinct rocket attacks conducted in late March, which prompted intense Israeli airstrikes on various regions in Lebanon.
During these operations, the army confiscated a vehicle and additional equipment associated with the rocket attacks. The suspects have been referred to judicial authorities. The military had executed raids across different locations in Lebanon to apprehend those involved but did not provide further specifics regarding these operations.
On Thursday, the state-run National News Agency reported that General Rodolph Haikal provided a briefing to the weekly cabinet meeting concerning the security dynamics along the Israel-Lebanon border, as well as the ongoing implementation of the U.N. Security Council resolution which concluded the 14-month Israel-Hezbollah war.
According to three security officials and one judicial official who spoke to The Associated Press, four Palestinians with ties to the Hamas group are currently under investigation. A Hamas representative corroborated that several of their members had been detained in Lebanon; however, they were released shortly after, with the representative asserting that none were involved in the rocket attacks. It was mentioned that in one instance, a Hamas affiliate was detained for carrying an unlicensed firearm.
All officials provided their information on condition of anonymity, as they were not authorized to discuss the matter publicly. Hezbollah initiated attacks on Israel a day following the commencement of the Israel-Hamas conflict on October 7, 2023, which began with a significant Palestinian militant operation in southern Israel. This conflict resulted in over 4,000 fatalities in Lebanon and extensive destruction, finally culminating in a U.S.-brokered ceasefire in late November.
Post-ceasefire, Israel has conducted near-daily airstrikes, leading to the deaths of numerous civilians and Hezbollah members. According to the office of the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights released on Tuesday, at least 71 civilians, including 14 women and nine children, have perished due to Israeli bombardments in Lebanon since the ceasefire took effect.
These developments collectively underscore the ongoing volatile security situation in Lebanon and highlight the complex regional dynamics influenced by the Israel-Hamas conflict. As military and political actions continue, the implications for both local populations and broader geopolitical relations remain significant.
