Israel has blamed Hezbollah for a rocket attack in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights that killed 12 children. The attack, which targeted a soccer field in the town of Majdal Shams on Saturday, resulted in the deadliest strike on Israeli-controlled territory since the October 7 attacks. Israeli authorities and the U.S. have both pointed to Hezbollah as the responsible party, although the Lebanese militant group has denied involvement.
In response, Israeli warplanes conducted airstrikes against Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon and along the border.The security cabinet has given Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Gallant the authority to decide on the response’s timing and nature. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has supported Israel’s assessment, asserting that “every indication” suggests Hezbollah’s responsibility for the rocket strike.
The attack involved approximately 30 projectiles fired from Lebanon into Israeli territory, resulting in the deaths of 12 children and injuries to 44 others.
The U.S. and other international actors are working on diplomatic solutions to prevent further escalation. The White House National Security Council has engaged with Israeli and Lebanese counterparts to address the situation and seek an end to the cross-border attacks.
In Majdal Shams, thousands of mourners gathered for the funeral of the 12 children, reflecting the deep impact on the local community. Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid attended the funeral, expressing solidarity by stating, “The children who died on that football field could have been any of our children.”
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