Israeli Security Cabinet Authorises Retaliation Against Hezbollah After Deadly Rocket Attack

Israel’s security cabinet has authorised Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant to determine the timing and method of retaliation against Hezbollah following a deadly rocket attack. The incident, which occurred on Saturday evening, targeted the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights and resulted in the deaths of 12 children and teenagers from the Druze community.

The attack is being described as the deadliest cross-border incident in recent months, significantly raising concerns that the ongoing hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah could escalate into a full-scale war. Despite Hezbollah’s denial of responsibility, the attack has intensified tensions and led to a heightened state of alert.

In response to the tragedy, Netanyahu, who cut short a visit to the United States, visited the scene of the attack in Majdal Shams on Monday afternoon. "These children are our children," Netanyahu stated. "The state of Israel will not, and cannot, let this pass. Our response will come and it will be severe."

The local community in Majdal Shams expressed anger and frustration during Netanyahu's visit, with protests erupting over what many perceive as a failure to prevent the attack. The funerals of the victims, held on Sunday, drew thousands of mourners and highlighted the deep grief felt by the Druze community.

The White House has been engaged in continuous discussions with Israeli and Lebanese counterparts, working towards a diplomatic solution to prevent further attacks along the Blue Line, the unofficial frontier between Israel and Lebanon.

In the wake of the attack, Air France has joined other airlines, including Lufthansa, Swiss International Air Lines, and Eurowings, in suspending flights to and from Beirut as fears of Israeli retaliation mount.

On Monday morning, an Israeli drone strike targeted the Lebanese town of Shaqra, killing two individuals identified by Hezbollah as its fighters. The Israeli military has not yet commented on the strike.

Netanyahu has vowed a heavy price for Hezbollah, emphasizing that the group will face consequences for the attack. The Israeli military Chief of Staff, Lt Gen Herzi Halevi, confirmed that the rocket used was an Iranian-made Falaq, designed to inflict civilian casualties.

The escalation in violence follows recent sporadic clashes between Israel and Hezbollah, which intensified after Hezbollah's rocket fire targeting Israeli positions following Hamas's deadly attack on Israel on October 7. Hezbollah maintains that its actions are in support of the Palestinians.