Hezbollah has unleashed a barrage of over 50 rockets on the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, targeting several private homes and causing significant damage. The assault, which occurred on Wednesday, marks a sharp escalation in ongoing hostilities between the militant group and Israel.
This latest attack comes just a day after U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken engaged in high-stakes diplomacy with Egyptian and Qatari officials to negotiate a cease-fire in the Gaza conflict. Despite these efforts, both Hamas and Israel have signaled that major obstacles remain.
Hamas has condemned the new cease-fire proposal from the U.S., calling it a “reversal” of previous agreements and accusing the U.S. of capitulating to “new conditions” imposed by Israel. The U.S. has not yet responded to these criticisms.
The rocket fire caused injuries and damage in the Golan Heights. A 30-year-old man was treated for shrapnel wounds, and a house was set ablaze. Firefighters successfully contained a gas leak that could have led to a larger disaster.
Hezbollah claimed responsibility for the attack in retaliation for an Israeli airstrike on Lebanon the night before, which resulted in one death and 19 injuries. The exchange of fire has intensified over the past week, with Hezbollah launching over 200 projectiles into Israel earlier in response to an Israeli attack on a Hezbollah weapons depot.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has led to over 500 deaths in Lebanon, including around 100 civilians, and 49 fatalities in Israel, comprising 23 soldiers and 26 civilians. Israel captured and later annexed the Golan Heights from Syria during the 1967 Six-Day War. The annexation is recognized only by the U.S., while the rest of the world considers it occupied Syrian territory.
Commercial Ship Attacked in Red Sea, Suspected to Involve Houthi Rebels
In a related development, a commercial ship navigating the Red Sea came under repeated attack on Wednesday, leaving the vessel “not under command,” according to British military sources. The ship was struck by small arms fire and three projectiles in an assault believed to be carried out by Yemen’s Houthi rebels.
The attack is part of the Houthis’ broader campaign targeting maritime traffic amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Details about the incident remain limited, and while the Houthis have not officially claimed responsibility, their involvement is suspected based on previous patterns of aggression.
Israel Shifts Military Focus to Northern Border Amid Escalating Violence
In Israel, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has announced a strategic shift, redirecting military efforts from Gaza to the northern border with Lebanon. Gallant’s comments came during a tour of northern Israel, where he noted that while operations in Gaza continue, the primary focus is now on countering Hezbollah militants.
Since the Hamas attack on October 7, Hezbollah and Israel have engaged in almost daily skirmishes. The recent escalation includes Hezbollah’s retaliation for an Israeli airstrike in Beirut that killed a senior Hezbollah commander.
On Tuesday, Hezbollah launched over 120 projectiles into northern Israel, causing property damage and fires. Israel responded by targeting the sources of these attacks.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in over 500 deaths in Lebanon, including at least 100 civilians, and 49 fatalities in Israel, including 23 soldiers and 26 civilians.
