The IDF launched an investigation into the possibility of a ground or air intrusion into northern Israel, Army Radio reported on Saturday, with the military's Northern Command deploying several checkpoints in the area.
The report followed an earlier hostile aircraft infiltration alert in the area of Arab al-Aramshe, triggered at 7:57 p.m. by a suspected drone launch from Lebanon, with the IDF having confirmed that there was an unidentified aerial object in the border area with Lebanon.
A military source said it is unclear what entered Israeli territory, and the IDF was examining the matter. "It could be a hostile craft, but it could also be a flock of birds or a balloon. We cannot determine at this time; therefore, the forces' activity on the ground is ongoing."
According to the report, the IDF conducted both ground and air searches, and reinforcements have been dispatched to the area.
Large forces from Division 91 and the Air Force were deployed to scan the Arab al-Aramsha and Kibbutz Ayalon area. The IDF also operated aircraft over the Galilee to assist with searches in the area.
Search continues, regional alertness increased
Though the search continued several hours after the incursion, nothing of note has been located.
The IDF reportedly informed residents that it was "doing everything necessary to rule out any hostile terrorist activity within our territory."
The Ma'ale Yosef Regional Council reported that following the suspected detection of an unidentified aerial object near the border, security preparations were taken in several localities in the area, including increased alertness and the conducting of scans to rule out an unusual event.
There was no change in the Home Front Command's instructions in the council's localities.