Today, November 21, 2005, in the afternoon hours, the Hizbullah terrorist organization initiated an attack against Israeli civilian and military targets, an attack which included rocket fire, mortar shelling, and gunfire in the areas of Metula, Rajar, and Mount Dov. An IDF officer and soldier situated in IDF posts were severely wounded in this attack.
At the same time, Hizbullah cells carried out a number of attacks against IDF posts in the Rajar and Mount Dov regions in an attempt to kidnap IDF soldiers. IDF units were successful in preventing these attempts and were able to disable the Hizbullah cells.
In response to these attacks, the Israel Air Force attacked a structure used as a command post by the Hizbullah terrorist organization and several access routes in the area.
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Early this morning, November 22, 2005, IDF forces demolished an outpost used by the Hizbullah terrorist organization, located north of the village of Rajar.
In response to Hizbullah's attack on Israel yesterday, which included the infiltration of Hizbullah terrorists into Israeli territory in order to kidnap IDF soldiers, and the launching of rockets into Israeli territory, an IDF engineering squad demolished the outpost, which played a major role in yesterday's attacks against IDF and Border Police forces in Rajar.
The Hizbullah outpost was built following the departure of the IDF from southern Lebanon, at a distance of approximately 20 meters north of the village of Rajar, and has been used by the terrorist organization ever since in order to collect intelligence on IDF activity aimed at protecting Rajar, and in order to prepare the infrastructure needed to carry out terrorist attacks in the entire sector in general, and in Rajar particularly.
In addition, the outpost served as a launching point for various activities of Hizbullah terrorists against the Israeli civilians of Rajar.
The following statement was issued by the GOC Northern Command, Major General Udi Adam:
The incident began when the Hizbullah terrorist organization fired mortar shells and rockets, initially aiming them at IDF posts in the Mount Dov and Rajar regions, and later on targeting the entire border area. Hizbullah used its full arsenal against us - mortar shells, Katyusha rockets, anti-tank missiles, and sniper fire. No IDF activity was carried out in the area prior to this attack. This attack had been in the planning for a long time, and we haven't seen such a widescale coordinated attack by Hizbullah in a long time.
IDF units responded very well to this threat. Hizbullah underestimated our capabilities for a quick and effective response. Forces implemented pinpointed attacks at the sources of fire and at Hizbullah posts in southern Lebanon. We believe that Hizbullah intended to kidnap IDF soldiers through the border village of Rajar. However, their attempts were thwarted by IDF units.
Overall, 11 IDF soldiers were wounded in this attack. We know of 4 terrorists who were killed.
Mortar shells and rockets have also landed in populated areas. A house in the city of Metula was damaged. So far, we know of no casualties, although structural damage was caused. It's been a long time since we last had to direct the civilian population in northern Israel to enter their bomb shelters.
Hizbullah is attempting to recreate its image as a defender of southern Lebanon. The UN has decided that this terrorist organization must disarm itself, and so Hizbullah is searching constantly for justification to continue its activities. Israel is free to respond to such attacks in any way it deems appropriate.
We see the Lebanese government as responsible for any activity carried out from its territory and hope it will be able to prove itself as a responsible and capable body in dealing with this issue.