Israel aims to strike Hezbollah without escalating to all-out war, as Lebanon braces for retaliation after a rocket strike killed 12 children and teens in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. According to Israeli officials, the response is anticipated to involve a few days of fighting but will not lead to a broader conflict.
On Saturday, a rocket hit a sports field in a Druze village, prompting Israel and the United States to blame Lebanon’s Hezbollah. Hezbollah, however, denied any involvement. The incident heightened concerns about escalating hostilities between Israel and the Iran-backed group, potentially spiraling into a more destructive war.
Israel’s security cabinet has authorized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant to determine the timing and manner of the response. The Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth reported that the planned response would be “limited but significant,” with options ranging from attacks on infrastructure to targeting Hezbollah weapons depots or commanders.
Hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah have intensified since the Gaza war, marking the worst escalation since their 2006 conflict. Hezbollah, an ally of the Palestinian group Hamas, has stated its attacks are in support of Palestinians and will cease once Israel’s offensive on Gaza ends.