Netanyahu receives green light for counterstrike on Hezbollah
A rocket fired from Lebanon kills twelve children and adolescents on the Golan Heights. Netanyahu holds Hezbollah accountable and threatens harsh retaliation. After a long Security Cabinet meeting, Netanyahu receives official authorization.
Following a fatal rocket attack from Lebanon on a settlement on the Golan Heights, the Israeli Security Cabinet, according to government statements, has given the green light for a military response against Hezbollah. The members of the Cabinet have authorized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Joav Galant to "decide on the method, manner, and timeline of action against the terrorist organization Hezbollah," Netanyahu's office announced after the prolonged Security Cabinet meeting. The Prime Minister's office made no further comments immediately.
Netanyahu returned to Israel earlier than planned from a multi-day trip to the United States due to the attack, which left at least twelve people dead on Sunday. He stated that Israel would not let the "murderous attack go unanswered," and Hezbollah would "pay a price they have never paid before."
On Saturday afternoon, a rocket fired from Lebanon hit the soccer field of the Druze village of Majdal Shams in the Golan Heights, annexed by Israel. According to Israeli reports, at least twelve children and adolescents aged between ten and sixteen were killed as they were playing soccer. Israel and the United States blame Hezbollah for the rocket attack - the Militia denies responsibility.
Since the start of the war between Israel and the Islamic Palestinian organization Hamas in the Gaza Strip, which was triggered by an unprecedented Hamas barrage on October 7th, Hezbollah has been firing rockets from Lebanon almost daily into northern Israel. For months, tens of thousands of evacuees have been unable to return to their homes.
The United Nations Security Council, in a statement, strongly condemns the rocket attack from Lebanon that resulted in civilian casualties in the Golan Heights. This incident further escalates tensions between Israel and its neighboring countries, including Lebanon and GazaStrip. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during a press conference, reiterates Israel's stance on not tolerating such acts of terrorism and assures swift action against the responsible parties.
