Hezbollah Drone Strike Kills Four Israeli Soldiers
Hezbollah’s drone attack on an Israeli army base in central Israel resulted in the deaths of at least four soldiers and left around 60 others severely injured. This marks the group’s deadliest strike on Israeli territory since the IDF began ground operations in Lebanon nearly two weeks ago.
Rafi Sheva, a Magen David Adom paramedic, described the scene as “difficult,” noting that the injuries were caused by the blast and shrapnel, necessitating urgent medical treatment and surgeries for the victims. They were quickly evacuated to hospitals.
Hezbollah claimed the attack near Binyamina was a response to Israeli airstrikes on Beirut that killed 22 people. The group also stated it fired numerous missiles targeting Israeli air defense systems, activating air raid sirens in northern cities like Haifa.
The ongoing conflict has escalated since the Gaza war began in October last year, with Hezbollah, aligned with Hamas, increasing attacks on Israel, leading to significant displacements on both sides of the border.
In retaliation, Israel has intensified airstrikes across Lebanon, including in Beirut, and deployed approximately 15,000 soldiers in the region. The Lebanese Health Ministry reports over 1,400 casualties since September, but does not specify how many were Hezbollah fighters. At least 58 people have died in rocket attacks on Israel, nearly half of whom were soldiers.
