Israel termed the attack, the first in the Shebaa Farms area in five months, a “serious development” ahead of the Israeli general election next week and a possible US-led invasion of Iraq.

Dib Yassin, 82, was wounded in the legs by shrapnel and Samir Abu Qayss, a 20-year-old woman, suffered chest injuries.

Hospital sources in the town of Marjayoun, to where the wounded were evacuated from Hibbariye, said that the old man had to have both legs amputated.

About 15 mortar bombs and 107 mm Katyusha rockets were fired at two neighbouring Israeli positions at Roweissit al-Aalam and Tallet Sammaqa, opposite the southern village of Kfarshuba, Lebanese police said.

Israeli fighter-bombers later fired four missiles in two overflights of an area to the west of Kfarshuba, they said.

Also in retaliation, Israeli forces fired at least seven 155 mm artillery rounds and opened up with heavy machineguns on positions around Kfarshuba, the police added.

Hezbollah’s armed wing, the Islamic Resistance, said Roweissit al-Aalam was attacked after a group of Israeli soldiers left their outpost. “The target took a direct hit,” it said in a statement.

It was the first Hezbollah attack in the south Lebanon border area since Aug 29, when three Israeli soldiers were wounded.

The Israeli army reported no injuries in Tuesday’s attack by the militia.

“This bombardment is a serious development. It is a clear attempt to provoke an escalation in the region ahead of the Israeli general elections or of a possible war with Iraq,” said a spokesman for Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon.

“Responsibility for maintaining calm in the sector and for these serious developments falls on those who support Hezbollah,” Raanan Gissin said.

The barrage came just two days after the prime minister himself warned Palestinian militants, Syria and Hezbollah not to act against Israel in case of a war on Iraq.—AFP