JERUSALEM, Nov. 12 (Xinhua) -- An Israeli soldier accidentally fired an anti-tank missile near the Lebanon border on Monday, which was believed a serious incident that might cause an escalation with Lebanon, local Yedioth Ahronotha said.

    During a maneuver by the Nahal Brigade, an Israeli soldier fired the missile, which landed at a distance of several kilometers within Israeli territory, causing no injuries or damage, according to the report.

    Israeli army sources stressed that this was a serious incident, which could have resulted in injuries or an escalation, had the missile landed on the other side of the border. An initial investigation revealed that during the maneuver one of the soldiers, who had been practicing on using the antitank system, launched the missile by mistake.

    The official vowed that a thorough investigation of the accident would be conducted, and that conclusions would be drawn and lessons implemented in other units.

    A 34-day-long fighting between Israel and Lebanese Hezbollah guerillas erupted on July 12, 2006, following the abduction of two Israeli soldiers by the Shiite group. It ended on Aug. 14 under a UN-brokered resolution. More than 110 Israeli soldiers and over 1,200 Lebanese were killed in the conflict.