IDF strikes Lebanon; northern residents warned of explosions

The Ma'ale Yosef Regional Council issued a special notice to residents Friday afternoon following an official briefing from Northern Command on planned air force strikes in the Lebanon sector. The notice was intended to prepare residents for explosion sounds that may be heard during the day.

According to the notice, the expected activity is initiated and aimed at removing threats and striking terror infrastructure. Authorities reached out to residents in the western Galilee and central upper Galilee to clarify in advance the source of the explosion sounds and prevent unnecessary panic.

The council's notice clarified that at this stage there is no change in Home Front Command guidelines and routine continues. Residents were asked to continue their regular activity while remaining alert for further updates from authorities.

The notice comes against the backdrop of ongoing IDF activity on the northern border to remove immediate threats. Just months ago, this past May, the Ma'ale Yosef Regional Council suspended studies in settlements along the northern axis near the fence, following non-stop drone launches by the Hezbollah terror organization.

Hezbollah explosive drone on the Lebanon border (Photo: Eyal Margolin/Flash90)

The IDF continues to operate in southern Lebanon as part of its efforts to remove threats to Israeli civilians. In recent months the IDF has carried out numerous targeted strikes against terror infrastructure and terrorists who violated the ceasefire.

Separately, the IDF today eliminated in northern Gaza Strip Muhammad Muhammad Abd al-Halaq Hala, a commander in the military wing of the Hamas terror organization who infiltrated into Israeli territory during the October 7 massacre. In an additional strike, another terrorist from the Palestinian Islamic Jihad organization who violated the ceasefire was eliminated.

The IDF clarified that IDF forces in Southern Command are deployed in the area in accordance with the agreement and will continue to operate to remove any immediate threat. The targeted operations are being carried out against the backdrop of IDF efforts to remove immediate threats and prevent the restoration of terror capabilities by terror organizations.