Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed heavy retaliation against Hezbollah after a rocket attack on a football field in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights, the country’s northern border, on Saturday, July 27, 2024, resulted in the deaths of at least 10 people and injuries to several others, including children.
This incident occurred just hours after an Israeli airstrike in southern Lebanon killed three members of the militant Hezbollah group.
The attack on the football field is the deadliest strike on an Israeli target since the current conflict began in October 7, 2023, raising concerns about a possible escalation in the region.
Hezbollah claimed responsibility for the rocket strike on the Golan Heights, stating it was a retaliation for Israeli airstrikes on a village in Lebanon. However, Hezbollah’s chief spokesman, Mohammed Afif, denied targeting Majdal Shams specifically.
The Israeli military has attributed the rocket attack to Hezbollah, stating that intelligence confirmed the group’s involvement. The Israeli military’s statement reported that the attack resulted in multiple civilian casualties, including children.
Initial reports from Israel’s Magen David Adom paramedic service indicated that 11 people were injured, with nine in critical condition, all between the ages of 10 and 20.
Footage broadcasted by Israeli Public Broadcaster Kan showed the wounded being transported from the football field to ambulances.
Beni Ben Muvchar, head of the local council, condemned the attack as crossing a “red line” and called for Israeli leaders to target top Hezbollah commanders.
The Israeli military confirmed that a projectile was launched from Lebanon toward the area and is working with Magen David Adom to evacuate the injured. Channel 12 broadcasted footage of a large explosion in one of the town’s valleys.
Hezbollah’s statement claimed the Katyusha rocket fire at an Israeli army post was in response to Israeli airstrikes on villages in southern Lebanon. Hezbollah reported that three of its members were killed, though the locations were not specified. The Israeli military had previously targeted a Hezbollah arms depot in the border village of Kfar Kila.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that Hezbollah “will pay a heavy price for this attack, one that it has not paid so far,” his office said.
Since the beginning of the conflict, which was triggered by Hamas’ surprise attack on October 7, 2023, the exchange of fire between Israel and Hezbollah has intensified. The conflict in Gaza has resulted in over 39,000 deaths and has displaced more than 80% of Gaza’s population. Over the past weeks, the violence has extended beyond the border, with increased Israeli airstrikes and Hezbollah rocket and drone attacks.
As of early October 2023, Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon have resulted in more than 450 deaths, including around 90 civilians. On the Israeli side, 21 soldiers and 13 civilians have been killed.
