At least 11 children were killed and 20 others injured in a rocket strike on a soccer field in Israel. This incident marks the deadliest strike on Israeli soil since the conflict with the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah began, escalating fears of a regional war. Israel accused Hezbollah of the attack in the Golan Heights, but Hezbollah denied involvementr
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a stern warning, stating Hezbollah “will pay a heavy price for this attack, one that it has not paid so far.” Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the Israeli military’s chief spokesman, described it as the deadliest attack on Israeli civilians since the Hamas attack on October 7.
Foreign Minister Israel Katz emphasized that Hezbollah had crossed a critical line, suggesting a full-scale war might be imminent. Despite Hezbollah’s denial, the situation remains tense.
Netanyahu, who was on a visit to the United States, announced he would cut his trip short and convene the security cabinet upon his return. Some far-right members of his government are advocating for a strong response against Hezbollah.
Footage from Israeli Channel 12 showed a large explosion in Majdal Shams, a Druze town in the Golan Heights. Paramedics were seen transporting the injured from the soccer field to ambulances. The Golan Heights, captured by Israel from Syria in the 1967 Mideast war and annexed in 1981, has residents with divided loyalties, though ties with Israeli society have strengthened over the years.
