Hezbollah launched a barrage of rockets into northern Israel, including near the city of Haifa, after the Israeli military reported more than 100 projectiles crossing into Israel from Lebanon. The Lebanese terror group claimed responsibility for the attack, stating that a “large salvo” of rockets hit a military base east of Haifa. The Israel Defense Forces responded by stating that approximately 180 projectiles were fired by Hezbollah, who had vowed to escalate its war against Israel following IDF strikes that killed senior Hezbollah leaders. At least five people were injured in the city of Haifa.
In addition to the rocket attacks, a UAV was launched towards Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s home in Caesarea, causing damage to a three-story building and two cars. Thankfully, Netanyahu and his wife were not home at the time of the incident, and no injuries were reported. These attacks come as Iran-backed Hezbollah has increased its aggression towards Israel in response to successful IDF operations that targeted the group’s electronic communications and killed key leaders, including Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah.
Israel dealt another significant blow to Iran’s proxy groups with the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, who played a key role in triggering the war in Gaza with an attack in 2023. The “Axis of Resistance,” made up of Hezbollah, Hamas, and other proxy groups supported by Iran, has long opposed Israel and the U.S. in the Middle East. Despite Sinwar’s death, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei reinforced that Hamas would continue to live on and be a part of the resistance against Israel. Sinwar’s brother, Mohammed, is expected to take over as leader of Hamas following his brother’s death.
Khamenei praised Sinwar as a symbol of resistance against the enemy, showcasing wisdom, courage, and resolve in his actions. He referred to Sinwar’s infamous attack on Israel in October 2023 as a significant blow to the region’s history. Despite the loss, Khamenei expressed continued support for the fighters and combatants who stand against oppressive forces, committing to remaining by their side with God’s help. Both Hezbollah and Hamas have vowed to persevere despite the losses of their key leaders, indicating that the “Axis of Resistance” will continue its efforts against Israel and its allies.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Iranian-backed groups like Hezbollah and Hamas shows no signs of slowing down, with retaliatory strikes and attacks escalating in recent weeks. The situation remains volatile, with both sides committed to defending their respective interests and territories. The international community continues to monitor the situation closely, urging for restraint and efforts towards de-escalation to prevent further violence and casualties. The impact of these ongoing hostilities goes beyond the immediate casualties, affecting regional stability and the lives of civilians caught in the crossfire. Efforts towards peace and dialogue are crucial to finding a lasting solution to the conflict.
