Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Majdal Shams in the Golan Heights on July 29, 2024, following a deadly rocket attack that killed 12 children and teenagers. During his visit, Netanyahu promised a severe response to the attack, which Israel attributes to the Lebanese Hezbollah movement. “Our response will come, and it will be severe. The State of Israel will not let this pass,” Netanyahu stated.The Israeli Security Cabinet has authorized Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant to decide on the timing and nature of the retaliation. While the details of the response are not yet public, Israeli sources suggest it will be significant but calculated to avoid pushing Israel and Lebanon into a full-scale war.In a surprising development, Lebanon has reportedly informed Israel of an impending military strike, requesting that it be limited and avoid populated areas, particularly Beirut. This communication appears to be an attempt to manage the escalation of tensions between the two countries.The international community, including the United States, France, and Italy, is urging restraint to prevent further escalation in the region. US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken emphasized the importance of stopping a new conflict and preventing its spread.The situation has already had wider impacts, with several airlines, including Air France and Lufthansa, suspending flights to Beirut due to the security situation. The German government has advised its citizens in Lebanon to leave the country.The conflict has displaced approximately 160,000 people and resulted in 527 deaths in Lebanon and 46 in Israel since October 2023. As tensions continue to rise, the international community watches closely, fearing that any miscalculation could lead to a wider regional conflict.
Key points
- Netanyahu promises severe response to Golan Heights attack that killed 12 children.
- Israel’s Security Cabinet authorizes Netanyahu and Defense Minister to decide on retaliation.
- Lebanon informs Israel of planned limited military strike, requesting avoidance of populated areas.
- International community, including US, urges restraint to prevent further escalation.
Contradictions👾While Israel blames Hezbollah for the attack, Hezbollah denies responsibility.
👾Some sources suggest the attack might have been caused by a malfunction of the Israeli Iron Dome system, contradicting Israel’s claim of a Hezbollah attack.
