A rocket strike that killed 12 children and teenagers in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights has intensified fears of an all-out war between Israel and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. Following the tragic incident, the University of Haifa has instructed all staff based above the fifth floor to work from home, highlighting the growing threat.
Cross-border fire between Israel and Lebanon has been escalating since October 8, when Hezbollah began firing rockets in solidarity with Hamas. The recent strike in the Golan Heights marks the deadliest attack since the skirmishes began, with over 450 people killed in Lebanon and 40 in Israel to date.
Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, returning early from the US, has promised severe retaliation. “Hezbollah will pay a heavy price,” Netanyahu stated, as Israel Katz, the foreign minister, and other government officials echoed calls for decisive action against Hezbollah’s leadership.
Hezbollah, denying responsibility for the deadly rocket strike, has evacuated key sites in anticipation of a large-scale Israeli response. Meanwhile, the Israeli government faces immense pressure from its citizens, with 60,000 Israelis displaced from the border region.
The potential for a broader conflict looms, as Hezbollah’s substantial arsenal and backing from Iran pose significant risks. International calls for restraint continue, but the region remains on edge, waiting to see if this incident will ignite further violence.
