Israel Vows Strong Retaliation After Attack on Golan Heights Killing 12 Children

Israel announced a harsh response against Hezbollah after accusing the group of killing 12 children and teenagers in a rocket attack on a Golan Heights football field. Hezbollah denied involvement. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu cut short his U.S. visit to coordinate the response, while funerals took place in Majdal Shams.

Israel declared on Sunday that it would launch a severe retaliation against Hezbollah, following accusations that the Iran-supported group killed 12 children and teenagers in a rocket strike on a football field in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. Hezbollah denied any responsibility.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who ended his visit to the United States early, is set to return to Israel and convene his security cabinet to discuss the nation's response. Meanwhile, the Druze village of Majdal Shams held funerals for the victims of the deadliest attack in the region since the recent conflict began.

The rocket attack took place on Saturday evening, with Hezbollah initially claiming responsibility for rockets fired at military sites but denying involvement in the Majdal Shams deaths. Israeli authorities, however, have pointed to forensic evidence and blamed Hezbollah. Israel’s military has carried out multiple retaliatory strikes in Lebanon.