Jerusalem: Two Israelis were injured and significant property damage was reported in northern Israel following a barrage of rockets launched from Lebanon on Thursday, as per local media reports. The attack marks a sharp escalation in tensions along the Israeli-Lebanese border.
According to Anadolu Agency, Channel 12 reported that over 30 rockets were fired toward the Galilee region in a rapid succession, bringing the total number of rockets fired since midnight to approximately 50. Israel's public broadcaster, KAN, confirmed that two individuals sustained injuries classified as 'minor' in the settlement of Kiryat Shmona, where a building was also damaged.
Hezbollah claimed responsibility for the attacks, stating that it targeted the settlements of Avivim, Metula, and Kiryat Shmona twice in succession. The Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper noted that about 80 rockets from Lebanon were detected, triggering air raid sirens across northern Israel.
In response to the attacks, Israel's Defense Minister Katz issued a stern warning to Hezbollah, stating that the group would face a 'heavy price' for the rocket barrage. This warning was communicated during a security briefing in Tel Aviv, attended by Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir and senior intelligence officials, as stated in a release by the Israeli Defense Ministry.
Katz directed a message to Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem, stating, "You and your colleagues will pay a heavy price for escalating fire on Israeli civilians while they celebrate Passover." Hezbollah has yet to respond to this statement.
The rocket attacks occurred amidst escalating threats from Iran's military, which has vowed to launch 'stronger, wider, and more destructive' attacks against the US and Israel. This comes after US President Donald Trump claimed that Iran's military capabilities had been significantly weakened, with 'very few' missile launchers remaining.
Trump, speaking from the White House, suggested that while he expects the conflict to persist for another two to three weeks, he believes it is nearing its conclusion. The regional tensions have been on the rise since a joint US-Israeli offensive against Iran on February 28, which has resulted in over 1,340 deaths, including that of then-Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
In retaliation, Iran has executed drone and missile strikes targeting Israel and several other countries, causing significant casualties and infrastructure damage, and disrupting global markets and aviation.