Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant informed US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin that Israel would hold Hezbollah accountable for the deadly strike in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights on Saturday. Gallant briefed Austin on Monday, presenting evidence that Israel claims points to Hezbollah's involvement in the attack, as per a statement from Israel's Government Press Office (GPO).
Despite Hezbollah's denial of firing projectiles into the village of Majdal Shams, where 12 children lost their lives and numerous others were injured, Gallant labeled the incident as a 'significant escalation'.
The GPO mentioned that Gallant expressed gratitude to Secretary Austin and the US administration for their clear stance against Hezbollah's actions and their continuous support for Israel's security.
Weapons experts have indicated that the rocket that struck the soccer field in the village was likely launched by militants. By analyzing footage of the explosion and its aftermath, experts concluded that the blast and damage observed at the site align with the characteristics of munitions typically fired at northern Israel and the Golan Heights from Lebanon and Syria.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken echoed the sentiment, stating that 'every indication' suggests the attack that resulted in the deaths of 12 children in the occupied Golan Heights was a rocket fired by Hezbollah.
