Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed heavy retaliation against Hezbollah following a rocket strike that tragically killed 12 children in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights. Israel has accused Hezbollah of launching the rocket from Lebanon into a soccer field in Majdal Shams, a mainly Druze town. In a rare move, Hezbollah denied involvement in the attack.
Efforts to prevent further escalation are underway, with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasizing the importance of de-escalation in a call with Israeli President Isaac Herzog. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has seen almost daily exchanges of fire along the border since the Gaza war in October.
