"Everything is calm and peaceful on the Lebanese side [of the border], the situation is under full control. The army units deployed in the area are fulfilling their tasks in coordination with the UN Interim Force in order to prevent any provocation and maintain stability in the southern region. The command pointed out that the army was ready for any emergency situations," the statement noted.
Earlier in the day, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesman Jonathan Conricus announced that the Israeli army was launching the Northern Shield operation at the Israeli-Lebanese border in order to find and destroy cross-border tunnels of the Lebanon-based Hezbollah movement.
Israel traditionally views Hezbollah’s presence in Lebanon and Syria as a threat to its national security as the movement is backed by Iran, which is Israel’s main rival in the region.