Israel’s security cabinet has given Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his defense minister the authority to determine how and when to respond to a deadly rocket attack that Israel and the US attribute to Hezbollah, the Lebanese Shia militant group.
The attack, which took place on the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights on Saturday evening, resulted in the tragic deaths of 12 children and teenagers from the Druze community. Despite Hezbollah denying responsibility for the strike, tensions between the two sides have escalated significantly.
This incident marks the deadliest cross-border attack in months of ongoing exchanges of fire between Israel and Hezbollah, raising concerns that the situation could escalate into a full-blown conflict. Western governments are urging Israel to exercise restraint in its response to the attack.
In the aftermath of the strike, thousands gathered in the Druze town of Majdal Shams for the funerals of the young victims, showcasing the raw grief felt by the community. The Druze community, which has lived on the Golan Heights for centuries, has been deeply affected by this devastating attack.
Prime Minister Netanyahu, who cut short his visit to the US to return to Israel, has vowed that Hezbollah will face consequences for the attack. The security cabinet has authorized him and the defense minister to determine the appropriate response to the incident.
As the situation continues to unfold, the international community is closely monitoring the developments and working towards a diplomatic solution to prevent further escalation of violence.
