The attack marked the gravest civilian incident along the Lebanon-Israel border since an Israeli airstrike on November 5 in southern Lebanon resulted in the tragic deaths of a woman and three children.
Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the spokesperson for the Israeli army, characterized Hezbollah’s assault on Israeli civilians as highly significant. He noted that while Israel’s primary focus is on the conflict in Gaza, it is maintaining a state of heightened readiness in the northern region and stands prepared for any necessary actions.
The Israeli military has developed operational strategies aimed at improving the security situation in the northern region, as disclosed to reporters. It is their goal to ensure that the current security status does not leave the residents of northern areas feeling unsafe about returning to their homes.
According to the Israeli military’s official statement, seven IDF soldiers sustained minor injuries due to mortar shell attacks in the vicinity of Manara in northern Israel on the same day. While Israeli rescue services did not specify the exact location, they did not provide details about the ten additional individuals wounded by rocket explosions and shrapnel, though two of them were reported to be in critical condition.
The Israeli military confirmed that they detected 15 missile launches from Lebanon within a span of one hour. Their defense systems successfully intercepted four of these projectiles, while the remaining missiles landed in open, uninhabited areas
Hamas’ military wing has claimed responsibility for launching attacks on northern Haifa and Israeli border towns, including Na’ura and Shlomi, from southern Lebanon. They did not provide further details regarding these attacks.
On the other hand, Hezbollah initiated the conflict by firing antitank missiles at an Israeli community just beyond the border on Sunday. This action resulted in severe injuries to utility workers. In response, the Israeli military targeted the source of the missile launch with artillery fire. The Israel Electric Corporation reported that workers in the rural Dovev community were wounded while repairing infrastructure damaged in a previous attack. According to Israeli media reports, six people were injured, including one in critical condition. In retaliation, Israel carried out airstrikes on several southern Lebanese towns, including Yaroun, Mays el-Jabal, and Alma al-Shaab.
On Sunday night, the Israeli military released an aerial video showcasing strikes on what it identified as Hezbollah militant infrastructure, which included a “military compound with a warehouse of weapons and military equipment.” However, the Israeli military did not provide further specifics.
In response, Hezbollah claimed to have launched guided missiles targeting a “logistical unit affiliated with the occupying army,” which was reportedly engaged in the installation of transmission poles and surveillance equipment near the Dovev barracks. Hezbollah’s attack also reportedly hit an Israeli military bulldozer in a separate incident. Following these developments, air raid sirens were activated in northern Israel, and Army Radio reported another antitank missile being fired from Lebanon.
Hezbollah has been designated as a terrorist organization by multiple countries, including the United States, Canada, Israel, and the Arab League. However, it’s important to note that different nations and organizations may have varying perspectives on the group.
On the same day, the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) reported an incident where one of its peacekeepers was wounded by gunfire during the night near the Lebanese town of al-Qawza. The origin of the shooting and whether the peacekeepers were deliberately targeted or caught in crossfire remained unclear. UNIFIL stated that they were actively investigating the matter.
