UNIFIL intensifies deployment, urges restraint after rocket fire from southern Lebanon into Israel

29 Nov 2011

UNIFIL intensifies deployment, urges restraint after rocket fire from southern Lebanon into Israel

(Press Statement - Rocket fire into Israel from southern Lebanon, 29 November 2011)

UNIFIL radars detected firing of at least one rocket into Israel shortly after midnight last night from the general area of Rumaysh in south Lebanon. Israeli authorities indicated to UNIFIL that a number of rockets impacted in northern Israel.

The IDF returned artillery fire directed at the location from where the rocket fire originated.

At this time, no casualties have been reported from either side. There has been no immediate claim of responsibility for the attack.

UNIFIL, in cooperation with the parties, is currently investigating on the ground to determine the facts and circumstances of the incident as well as to locate the launching site of the rocket fire.

UNIFIL Force Commander Major-General Alberto Asarta Cuevas is maintaining close contact with the parties and has called for maximum restraint in order to prevent any escalation of the situation.

The Force Commander said: "This is a serious incident in violation of UN Security Council resolution 1701 and is clearly directed at undermining stability in the area. It is imperative to identify and apprehend the perpetrators of this attack and we will spare no efforts to this end working in cooperation with the LAF. Additional troops have been deployed on the ground and patrols have been intensified across our area of operations to prevent any further incidents."

He added: "At the same time, there is a need to act with restraint and the parties have reassured me of their continued commitment to maintain the cessation of hostilities in accordance with resolution 1701."