Israel responded firing back nine rockets into southern Lebanon areas of Arkoub and Habarieh in Hassbia region, while Israeli helicopters flew in low altitude over the area, al-Jazeera TV reported Wednesday.

Two Katyusha rockets were launched Wednesday morning from southern Lebanon into Israeli town of Kiryat Shmouna, prompting an Israeli response of firing back the nine rockets.

This is the second such incident since the war on Gaza started on Dec. 27. Last Thursday, three Katyusha rockets were also fired on Israel, resulting in an Israeli retaliation. The Israeli army shelled Hamra, al-Jiben, and Tayr Harfa towns in southern Lebanon, from where the rockets were launched.

All groups in Lebanon including Palestinian factions and Hezbollah ruled out any involvement in the rocket launching.

There has been a unanimous Lebanese stand to avoid any involvement in a confrontation with Israel.

Israel fought a devastating 34-day war with Hezbollah in July 2006, leaving thousands dead and wounded and destruction of Lebanese infrastructure.

(Xinhua News Agency January 14, 2009)