Rocket Attack in Golan Heights Kills 12 Children, Escalating Tensions with Hezbollah

A tragic rocket attack on a soccer field in the Druze town of Majdal Shams, located in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights, resulted in the deaths of 12 children and teenagers, raising fears of escalating violence in the region. The Israeli military attributed the attack to Hezbollah, claiming the rocket was an Iranian-made Falaq with a 53-kilogram warhead, fired from near the Lebanese town of Chebaa. However, Hezbollah denied responsibility, marking a rare instance of the group not claiming an attack. The incident has intensified concerns among the Druze community, many of whom identify as Syrian citizens and have familial ties across the border. Druze leaders from Lebanon, Syria, and Israel condemned the attack, suggesting it could undermine Hezbollah's support among the Druze population. The Israeli military noted that the area has been subject to frequent Iron Dome alerts, indicating ongoing tensions along the northern border. In response to the attack, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu returned from the U.S. to discuss military options, emphasizing that Hezbollah would face severe consequences. The situation is further complicated by ongoing negotiations for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, as the region grapples with the fallout from nearly ten months of conflict. The U.S. National Security Council is actively seeking diplomatic solutions to prevent further escalation in the volatile border area.