Israel Eyes Limited Retaliation Amid Tensions with Hezbollah

Israel aims for a targeted retaliation against Hezbollah without escalating to full-scale war, following a fatal rocket strike in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. Both sides are seeking to avoid broader conflict while the U.S. pushes for diplomatic solutions to ease tensions in the Middle East.

Israel is strategizing a targeted retaliation against Hezbollah while avoiding a full-scale war, officials said on Monday, after a rocket strike killed 12 children and teenagers in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. This attack, which Israel blames on Hezbollah, has heightened fears of escalating tensions.

Hezbollah has denied responsibility for the rocket strike. Senior Israeli officials, including a defence official and a diplomatic source, suggested that any retaliation would be significant yet limited to prevent widespread conflict.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant have been authorized to determine the timing and nature of Israel's response, with possible targets including Hezbollah's infrastructure or military assets. Meanwhile, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has emphasized the importance of preventing escalations while seeking diplomatic solutions.