Israeli PM Vows Retaliation Against Hezbollah After Rocket Strike

A woman from the Druze minority is overcome by emotion as she holds a motorized scooter at the site where 12 children and teens were killed in a rocket strike on a soccer field, during a visit by Isra

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed heavy retaliation against Hezbollah following a rocket strike that tragically killed 12 children in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights. Israel has accused Hezbollah of launching the rocket from Lebanon into a soccer field in Majdal Shams, a mainly Druze town. In a rare move, Hezbollah denied involvement in the attack.

Efforts to prevent further escalation are underway, with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasizing the importance of de-escalation in a call with Israeli President Isaac Herzog. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has seen almost daily exchanges of fire along the border since the Gaza war in October.

Israel conducted strikes in Lebanon near the border, resulting in casualties, but these were not in direct retaliation for the recent attack. Thousands gathered to mourn the 12 children killed in the strike, with emotional scenes as the victims were laid to rest.

Netanyahu, during his visit to Majdal Shams, promised a severe response to the attack, attributing it to Hezbollah. The Druze community expressed mixed reactions to Netanyahu's visit, with some accusing him of politicizing the tragedy.

Israel accuses Hezbollah of launching rocket from Lebanon into a soccer field.

Rocket strike by Hezbollah kills 12 children in Israeli-controlled Golan Heights.

Hezbollah denies involvement in the attack, sparking tensions.

US Secretary of State emphasizes de-escalation in call with Israeli President.

Israel conducts strikes in Lebanon near the border, resulting in casualties.

Thousands mourn the children killed in the rocket strike.

Netanyahu promises severe response, attributing the attack to Hezbollah.

Diplomatic efforts underway to prevent further escalation between Israel and Hezbollah.

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant also visited the town, warning that Hezbollah would face consequences for the attack. Hezbollah, on the other hand, has reportedly started moving precision-guided missiles, though it maintains it does not seek a full-scale war with Israel.

Efforts for a diplomatic solution are ongoing, with the U.S. and France working to broker an agreement between Hezbollah and Israel to restore calm along the border. The potential for a full-blown conflict between Israel and Hezbollah raises concerns due to Hezbollah's significant firepower and past conflicts with Israel.

The last major conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in 2006 resulted in extensive damage in Lebanon, prompting caution from Hezbollah to avoid triggering another war. International diplomatic efforts are focused on preventing further escalation and reaching a peaceful resolution to the ongoing tensions in the region.