Israel fires at target in Lebanon after projectile launch

Israeli military confirms retaliatory attack with artillery across border

A projectile fired from Lebanon hit an open area in Israel on Monday and Israeli artillery targeted an area from where the attack was launched, the military said.

The rare flare-up on the Israeli-Lebanese border followed clashes over the past two weeks between Palestinians and Israeli police at Al Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem, which have stoked Arab anger and international concern.

Small factions in Lebanon have fired sporadically on Israel in the past.

On Twitter, the Israeli military said no sirens were sounded and no alert declared in northern Israel when the projectile, which it did not identify in its posting, struck.

Israel's anti-missile defence system does not necessarily intercept projectiles if they appear to be on track to hit unpopulated areas.

Palestinians put out a fire following violence between Israeli security forces and demonstrators at Al Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem's Old City. Reuters

Palestinian members of the public help firefighters extinguish flames in woodland at Al Aqsa Mosque compound, following violence between protesters and Israeli security forces. AFP

Israeli security forces inside Al Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem's Old City, following clashes with Palestinian protesters. AFP

Palestinian demonstrators in Jerusalem's Al Aqsa Mosque compound, with the Dome of the Rock shrine in the background. AFP

Palestinian protesters in Al Aqsa Mosque compound, in Jerusalem's Old City. Reuters

Protesters in Al Aqsa Mosque compound. Reuters

Israeli police in riot gear enter the Al Aqsa Mosque compound. Officers fired rubber bullets and stun grenades at Palestinian protesters. AP

Palestinians gather at the compound after violence broke out on Friday. AFP

Israeli police inside Al Aqsa Mosque compound - also known as Haram Al Sharif - the third holiest site in Islam. AFP

The violence comes after the killing of several people in Israel and the occupied West Bank in recent weeks. AFP

Palestinian youths hurl stones towards police at a gate to Al Aqsa Mosque compound. Reuters

Protesters stand beside the Dome of the Rock shrine in Al Aqsa Mosque compound. AFP

AL Aqsa Mosque compound is a flashpoint in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, sparking fears of a resumption of last year’s 11-day Gaza War. Reuters

In response to the attack, Israeli artillery "targeted the source of the launch", the military said, without giving further details.

Israel's northern border has been mostly quiet since a 2006 war against Hezbollah guerrillas, who have sway in southern Lebanon and an arsenal of advanced rockets.