Netanyahu Responds to Hezbollah Drone Attack on His Residence
On Saturday night, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed a drone attack on his home in Caesarea, allegedly carried out by Hezbollah. The assault, according to Netanyahu, was an attempt on his life and that of his wife, Sara Netanyahu, and he described it as a “grave mistake.” However, he firmly stated that this attack would not deter Israel from its ongoing military operations aimed at defending its citizens and securing the nation’s future.
Netanyahu issued a strong warning to Iran and its proxies, emphasizing that any attempts to harm Israeli citizens would be met with severe retaliation. “We will continue our efforts to eliminate terrorists and those who orchestrate attacks against us,” he said. The prime minister also reiterated his commitment to bringing Israeli hostages home from Gaza and ensuring the safety of civilians living near Israel’s northern border.
While it is still unclear whether the drone actually hit Netanyahu’s residence, reports confirm that neither he nor his wife was at home during the attack. The Israeli Air Force intercepted other aerial threats during the ongoing conflict. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin expressed relief over Netanyahu’s safety, reaffirming America’s support for Israel in its fight against terrorist groups like Hezbollah.
Hezbollah Fires 100 Rockets at Northern Israel Amid Escalating Tensions
Tensions escalated on Sunday as Hezbollah launched a series of rocket attacks targeting northern Israel, with approximately 100 projectiles fired in two separate barrages. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that the first wave of 70 rockets was aimed at the Western and Upper Galilee regions. Some of the rockets were intercepted by Israel’s defense systems, while others caused fires in open areas. No immediate injuries or significant damage were reported.
Shortly after, Hezbollah launched an additional 30 rockets targeting Safed and other areas in the Upper Galilee. Interceptions were reported in the skies over Safed, and emergency services were deployed to handle the fires caused by the attacks. Sirens also sounded across various regions, including the southern Golan Heights.
In response to the rocket fire, the Israeli Air Force (IAF) launched counterattacks, striking Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon. These strikes targeted several militant strongholds, including a Hezbollah command bunker and weapons storage facilities. The IDF also intercepted several drones launched from Lebanon and Syria, including a drone off the coast of Haifa and another near Eilat in southern Israel.
The escalating violence follows Hezbollah’s earlier drone attacks on the residence of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Caesarea, further intensifying the conflict along Israel’s northern front.
Former Israeli Ambassador Michael Oren Criticizes U.S. Over Genocide Remarks
Former Israeli ambassador to the United States, Michael Oren, has called on the White House to issue a clear and unequivocal statement rejecting accusations that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. His comments came after U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris appeared to acknowledge an anti-Israel protester’s claims during a campaign event in Milwaukee, where the protester accused Israel of genocide.
Oren expressed deep concern over Harris’s response, stating that her comments could set a dangerous precedent that undermines Israel’s legitimacy and security. He warned that such accusations, if left unchallenged, could harm both Israel and the strong relationship between Israel and the United States.
During the campaign event, Harris was interrupted by a protester who shouted accusations of genocide in Gaza. While the vice president acknowledged the protester’s concerns, she did not explicitly refute the claims, which prompted Oren to demand a formal denial from the U.S. administration.
Oren’s call for clarification highlights the critical importance of maintaining clear and consistent diplomatic support for Israel from its key ally, the United States.
