The warplanes dived low over Beirut's southern suburbs at least six times before roaring back into the sky, Lebanese security officials said.

In south Lebanon, officials and witnesses reported Israeli planes staging mock raids over the towns of Nabatiyeh and Tyre.

The officials, speaking on condition of anonymity because they were not authorised to give press statements, said eight Israeli jets had crossed the border and dispersed over southern and central Lebanon. Concerned residents took to rooftops and balconies to watch the mock raids over south Beirut.

The Lebanese army issued a statement saying its gunners fired anti-aircraft artillery at the planes in south Lebanon.

The army statement said four Israeli planes flew over southern Lebanon and four overflew the rest of the country, including Beirut.

Lebanon's official National News Agency reported that the Israeli planes released material to draw away heat-seeking missiles over southern Beirut.

The Israeli military refused to confirm that its planes had flown over Beirut or other areas, saying it does not release details of military operations.