MAJDAL SHAMS, Golan Heights. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed significant retaliation against Hezbollah on Monday after a rocket attack over the weekend killed 12 children in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights. The attack, which struck a soccer field in Majdal Shams, was attributed to Hezbollah by Israel, though the Lebanese group has denied involvement.
In response to the deadly strike, which occurred on Saturday evening, Netanyahu visited the scene and promised a strong response. “These children are our children, they are the children of all of us,” Netanyahu stated while laying a wreath at the site. “The state of Israel will not and cannot overlook this. Our response will come, and it will be severe,” he added.
The attack has heightened tensions in the region, where Israeli and Hezbollah forces have engaged in frequent exchanges of fire since the outbreak of the Gaza conflict in October. The latest incident has sparked fears of a broader regional conflict.
On Monday, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with Israeli President Isaac Herzog, stressing the need to avoid escalation and to pursue diplomatic solutions. The U.S. and France have been working towards a negotiated agreement to stabilize the border area.
In the immediate aftermath of the strike, Israeli airstrikes targeted a motorcycle in Lebanon, killing two people and injuring three others, though these strikes were reportedly not linked to the weekend attack. Hezbollah, which has moved precision-guided missiles, maintains that it does not seek full-scale war but warns of fighting without limits if necessary.
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant also visited Majdal Shams, asserting that Hezbollah would “pay a price” for the attack but providing no further details. Israeli military sources indicated that Hezbollah used an Iranian-made Falaq rocket with a 53-kilogram warhead in the assault.
As the situation remains volatile, international efforts continue to prevent further escalation. White House National Security Council officials are engaged in talks with Israeli and Lebanese counterparts to seek a resolution.
The region is already reeling from the consequences of the ongoing conflict, which has claimed over 500 lives in Lebanon and 47 in Israel, with tens of thousands displaced. A repeat of the intense conflict seen during the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah could lead to severe destruction, as Hezbollah possesses a substantial arsenal of rockets and missiles.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
