Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak responded Tuesday to news of the fatal northern border clashes between the IDF and the Lebanese army, in which an IDF soldier and 4 Lebanese were killed.

"I hold the Lebanese government directly responsible for this provocation," Netanyahu said.

He added that Israel would continue to respond with force to any further attempts to violate the ceasefire and disturb the lives of residents of the north and the IDF troops who protect them.

Foreign Minister Ehud Barak issued a warning to the Lebanese government, saying that Israel would not tolerate any attacks on citizens or soldiers on its "sovereign territory", and called on the international community to condemn the "criminal acts of the Lebanese army."

Earlier in the day, Kiryat Shmona Mayor Nissim Malcha told Channel 10 that there is no need for northern residents to enter bomb shelters.

"I have alerted all security forces to be ready for any situation," he said. "I hope that this is an isolated incident."


Also speaking after the incident, Northern District Commander Major General Shlomo Koron confirmed that no Katushya rockets fell in the area.

He said that incident along the border may have been a case of mistaken identity.

He confirmed that there was an exchange of fire and there was no reason for further clashes.

Upper Galilee Regional Council Head Aharon Valenzia called on the large number of people enjoying vacations and day trips in the north to continue what they are doing without fear.

Valenzia said that because of the exchange of fire on the northern border his office is in contact with IDF officials in order to provide a response to any possible scenario.