Israeli ministers granted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant the authority to decide how and when to respond to a rocket attack in the Golan Heights that killed 12 children and teenagers. Israel and the U.S. have attributed the attack to Hezbollah, a Lebanese militant group supported by Iran.
In retaliation, Israeli jets targeted southern Lebanon on Sunday, and further shelling occurred overnight into Monday. This escalation comes amid heightened tensions following nearly a year of frequent rocket attacks on northern Israel and reciprocal strikes in southern Lebanon.
The attack occurred in Majdal Shams, a Druze village, where funerals were held for the victims. The strike, which hit a soccer field near a bomb shelter, has intensified anger and grief among the local Druze community.
Netanyahu, who had been in the U.S. for talks with President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and former President Donald Trump, returned early to lead the security cabinet meeting. The meeting resulted in a decision to grant Netanyahu and Gallant the discretion to determine the scope and timing of Israel’s response.
During the meeting, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir abstained from voting, highlighting internal divisions on the response strategy. Ministers also addressed ongoing hostage negotiations with Hamas, which might be affected by Israel’s actions.
Hezbollah initially claimed responsibility but later denied involvement, though Israel insists that the rocket was fired from southern Lebanon by Hezbollah, based on evidence of an Iranian-made Falaq-1 rocket.
The U.S. and other Western nations have urged restraint to prevent the conflict from escalating further. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the importance of de-escalation to avoid a broader regional war. Meanwhile, Lebanon has requested the U.S. to persuade Hezbollah to show restraint.
Amidst preparations for possible Israeli retaliation, Hezbollah and its allies have reportedly evacuated key positions in Lebanon and Syria. Concerns are rising over potential impacts on civilian infrastructure, with Lebanon’s national airline delaying flights as a precaution.
Former Israeli war cabinet minister Benny Gantz has called for a severe response to the attack, suggesting that Israel might intensify its strikes against Lebanon.
The ongoing conflict has already resulted in significant casualties on both sides, with over 24 Israeli civilians and 18 soldiers killed, and numerous fatalities among Hezbollah members and other groups.
