ISTANBUL

Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam said Monday that rocket launches from southern Lebanon were an “irresponsible and suspicious act” that endanger the country’s security and give Israel pretexts to continue its attacks.

Salam said that whoever is behind it, the launches threaten Lebanon’s safety and stability.

He added that Lebanon “will not allow the country to be dragged into new adventures” and that authorities will take all necessary measures to identify those responsible and protect the Lebanese people.

The remarks came after the Hezbollah group earlier claimed responsibility for launching rockets and drones from southern Lebanon toward northern Israel, saying the attack targeted an Israeli missile defense site near Haifa.