Rockets fired from Lebanon hit northern Israel

Two rockets launched from Lebanon struck Israel on Wednesday, the Israeli military said, adding that it fired artillery into Lebanese territory in response to the attack.

In a statement, the army said three rockets were launched from Lebanon, with one falling short of the Israeli border and the others striking inside Israel.

Israel's Magen David Adom ambulance service said there were no casualties on the Israeli side of the frontier. 

It posted a photograph on Twitter showing smoke rising from a field.

Sirens warning of a rocket attack sounded in several Israeli communities, including the town of Kiryat Shmona, near the Lebanese border.

"In response, [Israeli] artillery forces attacked Lebanese territory," the Israeli military said.

Witnesses in Lebanon also reported that several rockets were fired at Israel.

A Lebanese security source told Beirut's Daily Star that two rockets fired from south Lebanon had hit an open area near a town in northern Israel, causing small fires but no casualties.

The border has been mostly quiet since Israel fought a 2006 war against Hezbollah.

But small Palestinian factions in Lebanon have fired sporadically on Israel in the past, and two rockets were launched at Israel on 20 July 20, causing no damage or injuries.

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon said its Head of Mission and Force Commander, Major General Stefano Del Col, was in contact with both parties.

"He urged them to cease fire and to exercise maximum restraint to avoid further escalation, especially on this solemn anniversary," the statement said.

Wednesday marked the one-year anniversary of the Beirut port blast in which more than 200 people were killed.