Hezbollah rockets struck Haifa, Israel's third-largest city, on Monday, marking the first direct attack on the city since the conflict began. The missiles, known as 'Fadi 1,' landed in Haifa early in the morning as the country commemorated the one-year anniversary of the Oct. 7 massacre. Two rockets hit Haifa, while five more landed in Tiberias, located approximately 40 miles away.
Haifa's mayor, Yona Yahav, confirmed that this was the first significant impact on the city. Reports indicated that 10 people sustained injuries in the two cities, with minor injuries and building damage reported in Haifa.
In response to the attacks, Israel's IDF fighter jets targeted what they identified as Hezbollah's intelligence headquarters in Beirut. This escalation follows Israel's warnings of a potential response to Iran's recent massive missile attack on Israel.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant issued a stern warning to Iranian officials, emphasizing that all options are being considered for Israel's response, including the possibility of targeting Iranian nuclear sites. Gallant stated that Israel will react to the Iranian attack in a manner and timing of its choosing.
President Biden expressed opposition to a strike on Iran's nuclear facilities but acknowledged Israel's right to respond proportionately to Iran's actions. Vice President Kamala Harris pledged to provide $157 million in additional assistance to Lebanon, citing the country's escalating humanitarian crisis and expressing concern for the well-being of civilians in Lebanon.
