Diplomats scramble to prevent further escalation; Hezbollah denies responsibility for strike that killed 12 youths in Golan Heights
JERUSALEM — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed a “severe” response to a deadly rocket attack in the annexed Golan Heights that killed 12 youths, as diplomats rushed to prevent further escalation between Israel and Hezbollah on Monday.
Visiting the site of the attack in the town of Majdal Shams, Netanyahu stated, “The State of Israel will not, and cannot, let this pass. Our response will come and it will be severe.” His visit was met with protests following the burial of the last victim, 11-year-old Guevara Ibrahim.
Israel and the United States have attributed the strike to Lebanon’s Iran-backed Hezbollah movement, which has been engaged in near-daily fire exchanges with Israeli forces since the war in Gaza began in early October.
Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib indicated that diplomatic efforts were underway to contain the anticipated Israeli response. “Israel will escalate in a limited way and Hezbollah will respond in a limited way… These are the assurances we’ve received,” Bou Habib said in an interview with local broadcaster Al-Jadeed.
Analysts suggest that Israel is cautious about opening a second front, with the United States, France, and other nations working to de-escalate the situation. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati confirmed that “talks are ongoing with international, European, and Arab sides to protect Lebanon and ward off dangers.”
White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby expressed confidence that a broader war could be avoided. Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warned Israel against attacking Lebanon, stating it would be “a great mistake with heavy consequences.”
Hezbollah has denied responsibility for the Majdal Shams rocket attack but claimed multiple strikes on Israeli military positions that day. Israel identified the rocket as a Falaq-1, an unguided Iranian projectile known for its inaccuracy.
The escalating tensions have led to travel warnings and flight suspensions, with airlines like Air France and Lufthansa halting services to and from Lebanon. UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy advised British nationals to leave Lebanon and avoid travel to the country.
Hezbollah reported launching “dozens of Katyusha rockets” at an Israeli military site following the killing of two of its fighters. The group later claimed additional strikes against military positions in Israel’s north, while official Lebanese media reported a Syrian national died from wounds after an Israeli drone strike in southern Lebanon.
The cross-border violence has resulted in over 500 deaths in Lebanon, mostly fighters, and dozens of civilian and soldier casualties on the Israeli side. Hezbollah has linked its attacks to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, where a ceasefire has yet to be secured despite months of negotiations.
Hamas accused Netanyahu of hindering a deal, stating that he had set new conditions. The conflict in Gaza has resulted in the deaths of 1,197 people, mostly civilians, and the capture of 251 hostages, 111 of whom are still held, including 39 the military says are dead.
Israel’s military campaign in Gaza has killed at least 39,363 people, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory. Hundreds of Gazans were fleeing the vicinity of the Al-Bureij refugee camp on Monday after Israeli forces announced they would “operate forcefully” against fighters in the area.
Amid the conflict, Israel’s military detained nine soldiers for questioning in a case of suspected abuse of a detainee. The detention sparked protests and a break-in at the facility where the alleged abuse occurred, with far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir expressing support for the soldiers.
Top Israeli officials, including Netanyahu and army chief Lieutenant-General Herzi Halevi, condemned the mob action, with Halevi stating, “We are in the midst of a war, and actions of this type endanger the security of the state.”
More details awaited.
