Israel's emergency security cabinet has granted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant the authority to determine the response against Hezbollah following a rocket attack in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights that resulted in the tragic deaths of 12 children and teenagers. While Israel has attributed the attack to the Lebanese militant group, Hezbollah has denied any involvement.
Lebanon's caretaker Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib has indicated that he has received assurances from third countries, with hints pointing towards the US and France, that Israel's retaliation will be restrained. The attack marks the deadliest incident in Israeli-controlled territory since the October 7 assault by Hamas, prompting Israel to declare that Hezbollah will face consequences.
The escalation has reignited concerns of a potential full-scale conflict in the region. Iran, a prominent supporter of Hezbollah, has cautioned against any actions targeting Lebanon, while Bou Habib emphasized that Lebanon does not seek war but stands in solidarity with Hezbollah. He also warned of the possibility of other regional actors, including those in Syria, Iraq, and Yemen, becoming involved.
