Hezbollah launched approximately 85 rockets from Lebanon into the Haifa area of northern Israel on Sunday morning. This marks the group’s most extensive rocket fire into Israeli territory since the onset of hostilities in October.
During this barrage, a teenager tragically lost his life in a vehicular crash triggered by the sirens alerting residents to the incoming threats. At least three individuals sustained injuries due to the rocket attacks, with a man in his 70s reported in moderate condition, alongside two others—a man in his 70s and a 16-year-old girl—who were lightly injured. All victims were transported to Rambam Medical Center in Haifa for treatment.
The military reported that while some rockets targeting Haifa were intercepted, others struck Kiryat Bialik, injuring three individuals. One rocket caused significant damage to a home in Moreshet, but fortunately, there were no injuries.
Hezbollah claimed responsibility for the attacks, asserting that the rocket fire was aimed at a facility belonging to Rafael Advanced Defense Systems in the Haifa region. The Iranian-backed group indicated that the strikes were retaliation for recent Israeli actions in Lebanon, which resulted in the deaths of over 30 Hezbollah members.
A resident of Kiryat Bialik, whose home was directly hit, expressed relief at being in a safe room during the explosion, stating, “It’s a miracle.” She described the destruction within her home and emphasized the dire living conditions faced by residents in the region.
Earlier that morning, Hezbollah also targeted the Jezreel Valley, launching 24 rockets in what was termed their deepest strike into northern Israel to date. The Israeli Defense Forces confirmed that all of these rockets were intercepted.
In a related incident, the traffic accident that resulted in the teenager’s death occurred when sirens were activated, causing panic. Four others in the vehicle were injured, with one reported in serious condition.
Following the rocket fire, large pieces of shrapnel fell in the Jezreel Valley, causing damage to property and minor injuries. The IDF has since ramped up airstrikes against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, aiming to disrupt the group’s operational capabilities.
In light of the escalating situation, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant held urgent security discussions, reflecting the heightened tensions and concerns over a potential large-scale assault from Hezbollah.
The conflict continues to intensify, with both sides sustaining significant casualties. Israeli military efforts are focused on degrading Hezbollah’s operational capacity amidst ongoing hostilities.
Key Points
Rocket Attacks: Hezbollah launched approximately 85 rockets from Lebanon into the Haifa area of northern Israel, marking a significant escalation in violence.
Casualties: A teenager was killed in a traffic accident triggered by sirens, and at least three people were injured by rocket fire.
Injured Individuals: The injured include a man in his 70s in moderate condition and a 16-year-old girl and another man in their 70s with light injuries.
Property Damage: One rocket struck a home in Moreshet, causing significant damage but no injuries.
Hezbollah’s Claims: The group claimed the attacks were targeted at a Rafael defense firm in Haifa, retaliating for recent Israeli actions in Lebanon.
Military Response: The Israeli Defense Forces reported intercepting some rockets and conducted airstrikes against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon.
Escalation of Conflict: The situation reflects increasing tensions, with significant casualties reported on both sides since the onset of hostilities in October.
Government Reactions: Israeli leaders held urgent security discussions amid concerns of a potential large-scale assault from Hezbollah.
