On Saturday, Israel reported that a drone targeted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s residence in Caesarea amidst escalating tensions with Hezbollah, which launched a barrage of projectiles into Israel from Lebanon. Netanyahu and his wife were not present during the drone attack, and there were no reported injuries.
ATTACK DETAILS
The Israeli military stated that a drone from Lebanon struck a structure in Caesarea. Throughout the morning, sirens sounded across Israel as Hezbollah fired a large salvo of advanced rockets aimed at military positions, particularly targeting a base in the Haifa region.
Tragically, a man in the northern port city of Acre was killed by shrapnel, while five others were injured in Kiryat Ata, a city near Haifa.
CONTEXT OF THE ESCALATION
This recent escalation follows a series of intensified air strikes on Lebanon by Israel, alongside a ground force deployment after nearly a year of cross-border exchanges. The fighting in Gaza has been particularly fierce, especially after the Israeli military killed Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar on Wednesday. Sinwar was considered crucial in orchestrating the recent attacks on Israel and in negotiating the release of hostages.
STANCE FROM HAMAS AND IRAN
Hamas has stated through its officials that there will be no release of hostages unless Israel ceases its military actions in Gaza. Additionally, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei emphasized that the resistance will continue despite the death of Sinwar, indicating ongoing support for Hamas from Iran.