A Hezbollah statement released Thursday accused Israel of trying to incite the Lebanese people against their rightful resistance movement.

Lebanese security sources said the leaflets dropped by Israeli warplanes over cities of south Lebanon during the night Wednesday were signed by the state of Israel and addressed to the Lebanese people and government.

Hezbollah, which is known to serve foreign interests, carried out a terrorist operation inside Israel to lure it into retaliation in order to serve its terrorist presence, the leaflet said.

The leaflet called on the Lebanese government and people not to let Hezbollah jeopardize Lebanon's future and push it toward escalation.

It also held the Lebanese government responsible for any hostile action originating from Lebanese territory.

Hezbollah claimed an Israeli patrol crossed into Lebanon Wednesday and was confronted by Hezbollah gunmen, who inflicting several casualties among Israeli troops. Israel said the incident was an incursion by two Hezbollah guerrillas, one of whom was injured, and that there were no Israeli casualties. (UPI)