Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Issues Stern Warning to Hezbollah Following Deadly Rocket Strike
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a severe warning to Hezbollah, declaring they “will pay a heavy price for this attack, one that it has not paid so far.” This statement follows a tragic rocket strike on Saturday at a soccer field in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights, resulting in the deaths of at least 11 children and teens.
Deadly Attack on Israeli Target
This incident is the deadliest attack on an Israeli target along the northern border since the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah began. It raises serious concerns about the potential for a broader regional war. Despite Israel attributing the strike to Hezbollah, the militant group has denied involvement. The Israeli military has called the incident “very serious” and has promised a robust response.
Israeli Military Response and Hezbollah Denial
Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, chief spokesman for the Israeli military, accused Hezbollah of launching a rocket at children playing soccer and then denying responsibility. Hagari noted this was the deadliest attack on Israeli civilians since the Hamas assault on October 7, which sparked the ongoing Gaza conflict. He reported that 20 others were also wounded in the attack.
Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz, speaking on Israeli Channel 12, stated that Hezbollah had crossed all red lines and hinted at the possibility of an all-out war in response.
Hezbollah’s Denial and Escalation of Violence
Hezbollah’s chief spokesman, Mohammed Afif, told The Associated Press that the group “categorically denies carrying out an attack on Majdal Shams,” which is an unusual denial for Hezbollah.
The rocket strike occurred just before sunset, following earlier cross-border violence on Saturday. Hezbollah reported that three of its fighters were killed, while the Israeli military stated that its air force targeted a Hezbollah arms depot in the border village of Kfar Kila, where militants were reportedly present.
Hezbollah claimed responsibility for multiple attacks using rockets and explosive drones against Israeli military posts. The latest attack targeted the Haramoun Brigade’s command in Maaleh Golani with Katyusha rockets, reportedly in retaliation for Israeli airstrikes on southern Lebanese villages.
Impact on Israeli Military and Political Landscape
Prime Minister Netanyahu, who was visiting the United States, announced he would cut his trip short to return to Israel and convene the security Cabinet. Far-right members of Netanyahu’s government are calling for a severe response against Hezbollah. However, an all-out war with Hezbollah, which has superior firepower compared to Hamas, would present significant challenges for Israel’s military, which has already been engaged in nearly 10 months of fighting in Gaza.
Footage and Community Reactions
Footage broadcast on Israeli Channel 12 showed a large explosion in Majdal Shams, a Druze town in the Golan Heights, captured from Syria in the 1967 war and annexed by Israel in 1981. Some Druze in the region hold Israeli citizenship, while others have ties to Syria and reject the annexation. Despite this, their relationship with Israeli society has evolved over the years.
Video from the scene showed paramedics evacuating the wounded from the soccer field to waiting ambulances. Resident Ha’il Mahmoud reported that children were playing soccer when the rocket struck. A siren was heard just before the impact, leaving no time for shelter.
International and Regional Implications
The Israeli military’s analysis indicated the rocket was launched from an area north of Chebaa in southern Lebanon. In response, Lebanon’s government, without directly mentioning Majdal Shams, called for an “immediate cessation of hostilities on all fronts” and condemned attacks on civilians.
Since October 8, Israel and Hezbollah have been exchanging fire, following a Hamas attack on southern Israel. The violence along the Lebanon-Israel border has intensified, with Israeli airstrikes and Hezbollah rocket and drone attacks extending deeper into Israeli territory.
Majdal Shams was not among the border communities ordered to evacuate, according to the Israeli military. The town is not directly on the border with Lebanon.
Efforts by officials from the U.S. and France to de-escalate tensions in Lebanon have failed. Hezbollah has refused to halt its attacks as long as Israel’s offensive in Gaza continues. The two sides previously fought an inconclusive war in 2006.
Ongoing Conflict and Humanitarian Impact
The recent violence coincides with ongoing discussions between Israel and Hamas regarding a cease-fire proposal to end nearly 10 months of conflict in Gaza and secure the release of approximately 110 hostages still held. The Hamas attack on October 7 resulted in around 1,200 deaths and 250 hostages taken, while Israel’s subsequent offensive has claimed over 39,000 lives, according to local health authorities.
Since early October, Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon have resulted in over 450 deaths, mostly Hezbollah members, with around 90 civilians and non-combatants among the casualties. On the Israeli side, 44 people have died, including at least 21 soldiers.