Israel strikes Hezbollah targets in Lebanon after deadly rocket attack on Golan Heights

CAIRO – 28 July 2024: Israel announced on Sunday that it conducted airstrikes overnight against Hezbollah-affiliated targets in Lebanon.

The attack came just hours after a rocket assault on the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights has killed 12 people and left 20 others wounded.

Reports indicate that the Israeli strikes were directed at locations in Lebanon, specifically near the border area.

Israel has attributed the series of attacks on Saturday, which included a rocket strike on a soccer field in the Druze town of Majdal Shams, in the Golan Heights, to Hezbollah. Israel held the Lebanese group responsible for the civilian casualties, including children.

Contrary to Israel's claims, Hezbollah has vehemently denied any involvement in the assault, dismissing all accusations as false.

According to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), their investigations suggest that the rocket launch in Majdal Shams originated from a region situated north of the Chebaa village in southern Lebanon.

“According to reliable intelligence information in the possession of the IDF, Hezbollah is behind the attack,” the army said in a social media post.

The IDF further revealed that the rocket strike on Majdal Shams was part of a series of three separate barrages launched by Hezbollah, comprising a total of 40 projectiles aimed at northern Israel.

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz conveyed to the Israeli Channel 12, as reported by the Associated Press, that “Hezbollah has crossed all the red lines here, and the response will reflect that.”

In a statement released overnight, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office vowed that “Hezbollah will pay a heavy price which it has not paid up to now.”

Meanwhile, the Lebanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned that any significant Israeli attack against Lebanon can lead to a regional war, reported Al Qahera News.

The ministry said it has contacted the United States to urge Israel to practice restraint in light of the recent tensions.