Israeli artillery targets south Lebanon after Hezbollah fires rockets into Israel

As cross-border fighting entered its fourth day, Israeli artillery struck southern Lebanese villages on Wednesday in response to a new rocket attack by the potent Hezbollah militia. Hezbollah claimed responsibility for the deaths of two of its members after Israeli bombardment earlier this week and promised “decisive” retaliation against any attacks on Lebanese land, especially ones that result in casualties. After one of its northern sites, close to the Israeli town of Arab al-Aramshe, was hit with anti-tank fire on Wednesday, the Israeli military said that it was assaulting Lebanon. Information on casualties was not immediately made available. Hezbollah, which regards Israel as its sworn enemy, reportedly launched two precision missiles into the country, according to a Lebanese security source. Israeli bombardment, according to residents in the southern Lebanese town of Rmeish, targeted the area. Israeli artillery shells were hitting the rocket launch site at Dhayra, across from Arab al-Aramshe, according to media reports. The recent bloodshed, according to Lebanese in those areas, has revived memories of the terrible month-long battle between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah in the summer of 2006. Al-Jadeed, a local Lebanese television station, aired footage of white smoke plumes rising from a wooded area close to some houses and fields in Dhayra. Both the Palestinian group Hamas and Hezbollah claimed responsibility for Tuesday’s assault in Lebanon. Hezbollah of Lebanon destroyed an Israeli tank with a guided missile, documenting the event on social media. Hamas claimed responsibility for a rocket volley into Israel. After Hamas launched a deadly attack against Israel over the weekend, Israel initiated a bombing campaign against Gaza, sparking the breakout of unrest along the border. (With agency inputs)