Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has the ability of conducting military operations on two fronts -- the northern border with Lebanon and the Gaza Strip, an IDF spokesman said on Wednesday.

Col. Boaz Kohen, spokesman of the IDF Northern Command, told reporters that Wednesday's attack by Hezbollah, the Lebanon-based guerrilla, has been long planned and it was not yet clarified if it is related to the capture of an Israeli soldier by Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip 17 days ago.

According to Kohen, every target in Lebanon will be legitimate for an IDF retaliation if it deems necessary.

Regarding whereabout and condition of two soldiers captured by Hezbollah, the spokesman said that there was no information on the matter, and they were still alive.

Head of IDF Northern Command Major General Udi Adam explained how the attack took place.

"This morning an IDF patrol was attacked in the area between Shtulah and Zarit. The patrol consisted of two armored Hummer vehicles and three soldiers were killed. Four other soldiers were killed in the chase."

Israel held the government of Lebanon responsible for Wednesday's attack and promised to respond severely.

The IDF confirmed that seven Israeli soldiers were killed when Hezbollah militants attacked an Israeli army unit along the northern border with Lebanon Wednesday morning, in which two soldiers were also captured.