The Times of Israel, citing military assessments, reported that a ballistic missile launched by Iran towards northern Israel on the evening of 22/3 seemingly fell into Lebanese territory. This marks the first such incident since the conflict began. The Jerusalem Post and Israel's Channel 12 also reported similar information.

It remains unclear whether Iran intended to target Israeli forces operating in southern Lebanon or if the missile overshot its target in Israel. Israeli search and rescue forces reported that some areas in central Israel sustained damage from cluster munitions and debris falling during the Iranian ballistic missile attack. No injuries were reported in the attack.

Officials from Israel and Iran have not yet commented on the incident.

An Iranian missile heading towards Israel on 23/3. Photo: AFP

On the same day, Israeli military commander Eyal Zamir stated that the operation against Hezbollah, Iran's ally in Lebanon, has just begun. He described it as a prolonged operation, adding that Israel will intensify its strikes and ground operations.

Effie Defrin, an Israeli military spokesperson, announced that Israel would expand its ground operation in Lebanon next week. This expansion aims to enhance control and protect residents in northern Israel. "We will expand the scope of ground control and increase maneuverability to prevent direct attacks on residential areas," he stated.

The official added that the Israeli military has hit over 2,000 targets and eliminated hundreds of militants. "We will not stop until the threat is pushed back from the border and the residents of northern Israel are guaranteed long-term security," spokesperson Defrin emphasized.

On 22/3, the Israeli military conducted additional strikes in southern Lebanon, including a key bridge. This prompted Lebanese President Joseph Aoun to issue a warning about the possibility of a full-scale ground attack by the neighboring country.

Location of Israel, Lebanon, and Iran. Graphic: BBC

Lebanon was drawn into the Middle East conflict after the armed group Hezbollah launched rockets into Israeli territory on 2/3. This was in retaliation for the assassination of Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei during a joint US-Israeli strike. Tel Aviv subsequently deployed troops into Lebanon and conducted large-scale airstrikes in the northern neighboring country.

Pham Giang (According to AFP, Times of Israel)