Hezbollah Attacks Northern Israel as Tensions Escalate in Middle East

Three people were wounded in a rocket and drone attack by Hezbollah on northern Israel, escalating tensions in the region. The Golan and Upper Galilee regional councils instructed residents to stay near shelters due to the heightened threat. The Wall Street Journal reported that Iran has begun mobilizing missile launchers and conducting military drills. Additionally, Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly requested that Iran avoid targeting Israeli civilians in response to the killing of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh.

The recent attack saw Hezbollah claiming responsibility, citing retaliation for an Israeli strike that killed a senior member of its Radwan Force. An IDF investigation revealed that a critically wounded individual was hurt by an interceptor intended for a Hezbollah drone, which failed to explode in the air after missing its target. In response, Israeli fighter jets targeted Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon.

Residents in the Golan and Upper Galilee regions were advised to stay near shelters as 20 rockets were launched from Lebanon, mostly landing in open areas. An anti-tank missile fired from Lebanon hit a yard in moshav Avivim, causing minor damage. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah hinted at potential attacks on Tel Aviv and urged residents of Haifa to be prepared.

In the West Bank, eight Palestinians, including four teenagers, were killed during IDF raids and airstrikes in Jenin and Aqaba. The Palestinian Health Ministry reported that four individuals were killed in an Israeli strike on a vehicle in Jenin, while another four were killed by Israeli forces in Aqaba. Local sources claimed that one of the victims, an 18-year-old, was unarmed and on his way to join rescue teams before being hit.

Amid these developments, Iran has mobilized missile launchers and conducted military drills in response to Haniyeh’s assassination. U.S. officials have indicated that Iran's reprisal could happen in the next few days. Russian President Putin has urged Iran to avoid targeting Israeli civilians, aiming to prevent further escalation.

Meanwhile, the IDF evacuated 15 buildings at the illegal outpost of Giv'at Oz Zion, leading to clashes with settlers. The settlers set fire to tires and cars, and threw stones at the police, who used crowd dispersal measures. After the evacuation, settlers threw firebombs at the forces and hurled stones at a vehicle belonging to an IDF officer.

These events mark another intense day in the ongoing conflict, highlighting the fragile and volatile situation in the Middle East as various factions and countries navigate the complexities of war and diplomacy.