Israeli PM Vows Retaliation After Deadly Rocket Strike in Golan Heights

MAJDAL SHAMS, Israel — Following a tragic rocket strike that claimed the lives of 12 young members of the Druze community in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has promised a strong response. During his visit to the affected area, Netanyahu met with military and civilian officials, asserting, “Our response will come, and it will be hard.” The incident, attributed to rocket fire from Hezbollah, has raised concerns about escalating tensions in the region, marking the deadliest attack in Israeli-controlled territory since the Hamas assault on October 7. The Druze community, which has a unique status in the region, has seen an increase in its members seeking Israeli citizenship since the onset of the Syrian civil war in 2011. Currently, about 25% of the Druze in the Golan Heights hold Israeli citizenship, and unlike other Arab citizens, they are subject to military conscription. Hezbollah has denied responsibility for the attack, despite Israeli claims that a Falaq-1 rocket was used, with discrepancies in the timing of the strike reported by both sides. In response to the escalating situation, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized the need to prevent further conflict during a call with Israeli President Isaac Herzog. Meanwhile, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy expressed concerns over rising tensions and warned that a significant Israeli military response in Lebanon could lead to broader hostilities. He reiterated the call for justice for the victims of the attack while advocating for diplomatic solutions to ensure safety for citizens on both sides of the border.