Dozens of rockets landed across northern Israel, including the towns of Kiryat Shmona, Nahariya, Safed, Maalot, Carmiel and Acre, local Israeli newspaper The Jerusalem Post reported on its website.

At least two people were lightly wounded by shrapnel and seven others were treated for shock, said the report.

Sirens were also sounded in the northern Israeli city of Haifa and Beit She'an town.

Local authorities have warned northern residents to take shelter.

Hezbollah rocket attacks had dropped since Israel announced on early Monday a 48-hour suspension of aerial bombardments on southern Lebanon. The temporary halt expired on early Wednesday.

Violence between Israel and Hezbollah erupted on July 12 after Hezbollah guerillas captured two Israeli soldiers and killed eight during cross-border attacks.

Israel has waged a 22-day-long massive assault in Lebanon and expanded its ground operations while Hezbollah has showered Israel with rockets.