IDF: 'Suspicious target was intercepted in Lebanon,' military strikes Hezbollah targets

TOPSHOT - Artillery fire from an Israeli position hits the hills near the outskirts of the border town of Odaisseh in southern Lebanon on November 17, 2023. (Photo by HASAN FNEICH/AFP via Getty Images)

The Israel Defense Forces said air defense systems intercepted a "suspicious target" in Lebanon on Saturday.

Sirens sounded in Ashkelon, Sderot and areas of central Israel as the IDF detected "numerous launches" from Lebanon aimed at Israeli posts.

"In response, IDF tanks and aircraft struck a number of Hezbollah observation posts," the military said. 

The military added that an IDF drone carried out an emergency landing in an open area of northern Israel on Saturday morning. 

"An initial inquiry indicates that the aircraft was not damaged by enemy fire. No injuries were reported, and the incident is under review," the IDF said. 

Hezbollah terrorists have fired at numerous Israeli military posts since the start of the Israel-Hamas war on Oct. 7. The Lebanese group has demanded Israel cease its bombardment and invasion of the Gaza Strip, but has yet to fully enter the war on the side of Hamas. 

Israel views Hezbollah and its 150,000 rockets and missiles as its most direct national security threat should the war expand into a wider regional conflict.