In a tragic escalation of violence, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a direct warning to Hezbollah following a rocket strike that killed 12 children and young adults in the Israel-controlled Golan Heights. Netanyahu declared that Hezbollah would "pay a heavy price" for the attack, which he described as an unprecedented act of terror targeting innocent civilians.
Netanyahu's Stance
"Israel will not let this murderous attack go unanswered, and Hezbollah will pay a heavy price for it, a price it has not paid before", Netanyahu stated in a message shared by his office. The Prime Minister, who cut short his visit to the United States, emphasized Israel's commitment to retaliate against the Lebanese militant group.
Military Response
In response to the deadly strike, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched airstrikes against Hezbollah targets deep within Lebanese territory. Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, an IDF spokesperson, condemned Hezbollah, labeling the group a terrorist organization that indiscriminately targets civilians. "This attack shows the true face of Hezbollah – a terrorist organization that targets and murders children", Hagari stated in a video message on social media.
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Hezbollah's Denial and Regional Tensions
Despite Hezbollah's denial of involvement, Israeli intelligence has implicated the group, gathered evidence of rocket used was an Iranian-made Falaq-1, typically owned by Hezbollah. The attack has further states the volatile Israel-Lebanon border, raising fears of a broader conflict. Sheikh Mowafaq Tarif, a leader of the Druze community in the Golan Heights, condemned the massacre, calling it a horrific crossing of red lines.
International Reactions
The international community has expressed deep concern over the escalating violence. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken supported Israel's right to defend itself, stating that "every indication is that indeed the rocket was from Hezbollah". Meanwhile, Iran warned Israel against further military actions in Lebanon, with a spokesperson suggesting that new conflicts could lead to deadly consequences.
Local Impact and Mourning
The residents of Majdal Shams, a Druze town in the Golan Heights, are mourning the loss of their children. Hundreds attended funerals, where Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid expressed solidarity, saying, "The children who died on that football field could have been any of our children. Therefore, they are indeed the children of each of us".
The Broader Context
This incident marks the deadliest attack on Israeli civilians since the October 7 Hamas assault, which ignited the ongoing war in Gaza. The violence between Israel and Hezbollah, which has been intermittent since the Gaza conflict began, threatens to turn into a full-scale war.
Read more:- Top Hamas Leader Ismail Haniyeh Killed in Tehran, Iran: With Pointing Finger at Israel.
Conclusion
As tensions rise, the call for restraint and peace grows louder. The international community is urging all parties to avoid further escalation and protect civilian lives. The tragic events in the Golan Heights serve as a stark reminder of the devastating human cost of conflict and the urgent need for diplomatic solutions to achieve lasting peace in the region.
Read more:- Israel Eliminates Top Hezbollah Commander "Fuad Shukr" in Retaliatory Strike.
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