Despite extensive IDF forces throughout southern Lebanon, a Hezbollah terrorist on Tuesday managed to penetrate the border fence with Lebanon before IDF troops killed him.
IDF sources emphasized to The Jerusalem Post that the terrorist did fire on IDF troops from within Israeli territory, but only having just crossed through the border fence, and not any further in.
Still, the penetration itself into Israeli territory at a time when the IDF nominally has said it has full control of southern Lebanon was a major embarrassment for the military and a public relations win for the Lebanese terror group.
It could also undermine the sense of safety among northern residents, some of whom were told to remain in their homes until the situation was resolved with a higher degree of certainty.
The IDF Northern Command is investigating the origin of the attack. Scouts have been dispatched to the area to assist.
"We do not rule out the possibility that this was a terrorist who stayed underground or barricaded in a building for a very long time and decided to come out," one military source said.
IDF struck in southern Lebanon before Hezbollah terrorists infiltrated Israeli territory
Earlier Tuesday, the IDF carried out multiple strikes in the city of Tyre, following statements by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz, as well as yesterday’s clashes with Iran.
The IDF spokesperson issued a warning to residents of Tyre, including those in the Christian neighborhood: "For your safety, we call on you to immediately evacuate your homes in the area shown on the map and move to north of the al-Zahrani River. Being close to Hezbollah operatives, their facilities, or their weapons endangers your lives."
According to the spokesperson, because of Hezbollah activity originating from the Christian neighborhood, the IDF may be forced to act against terrorist operations there in the near future.