Israel Retaliates Against Hezbollah

Israeli warplanes launched airstrikes against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon on Saturday night, following a deadly rocket attack that killed 12 individuals, including children, in the Golan Heights. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu condemned the attack, which struck a football pitch in Majdal Shams, and vowed that Hezbollah would "pay a hefty price." The casualties, aged between 10 and 20, prompted a significant emergency response, with ambulances dispatched to the scene. Netanyahu communicated to the Druze community leader that Hezbollah would face unprecedented consequences for its actions. The Israeli military attributed the rocket attack to Hezbollah, which has been engaged in ongoing cross-border hostilities with Israel since October. In retaliation, Israel conducted airstrikes targeting what it described as "terrorist infrastructure" in southern Lebanon. The situation escalated further as Israeli forces intercepted a drone from Lebanon aimed at an offshore gas rig, while Hezbollah claimed responsibility for a missile strike on an Israeli military site. As tensions rise, Israeli officials, including Foreign Minister Israel Katz, warned of a potential full-scale conflict, stating that the recent attack crossed "all red lines." The United Nations has urged both sides to exercise restraint, cautioning that further escalation could lead to a broader regional conflict. Meanwhile, Iran and Syria condemned Israel's actions, with Iran warning against any new military ventures in Lebanon. Thousands of mourners gathered in the Golan Heights to pay their respects to the victims, highlighting the deep emotional and cultural ties within the Druze community, which spans across Israel, Lebanon, and Syria. The ongoing violence underscores the fragile security situation in the region, with fears of a wider confrontation looming.