Hezbollah claims to have attacked a kibbutz in northern Israel, intensifying the conflict as Israeli minister warns that an “all-out war” is approaching.
Iran has cautioned Israel against any “new adventure” in Lebanon following Israeli strikes deep into the country.
These strikes were in response to rockets that killed 12 people, including children, in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that Hezbollah will “pay a heavy price” for the deadly rocket strike on Majdal Shams, a Druze town in northern Israel, which killed 11 children and teenagers.
The White House condemned the attack, reaffirming its unwavering support for Israel’s security against Iranian-backed groups like Hezbollah.
Lebanon’s caretaker Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, called for an immediate ceasefire and condemned the violence against civilians.
French President Emmanuel Macron expressed his condolences to Israeli President Isaac Herzog, while EU foreign policy chief Josep Borell and UN special coordinator Tor Wennesland also condemned the attack, urging restrain.
Israel’s far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called for the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and warned that “all of Lebanon” should face consequences.
Foreign Minister, Israel Katz stated that the attack crossed all red lines, bringing Israel closer to an all-out war with Hezbollah and Lebanon.
Israeli leaders, including Knesset member Gilad Kariv, have called for the cancellation of the parliamentary recess in light of the crisis.
Druze community leaders and local government heads in northern Israel are demanding a strong military response.
Local leaders stress that the continuous threat to northern communities cannot be tolerated any longer. They are urging Prime Minister Netanyahu to lead an appropriate response to ensure the security of the northern border.
