Drone Attack Targets Netanyahu's Home; Israeli Leader Vows 'We Will Not Be Deterred'"
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A drone was launched toward Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's residence in Caesarea on Saturday, according to his spokesman, who confirmed that the prime minister was not nearby and no casualties occurred. Meanwhile, the military reported that Hezbollah fired dozens of rockets and several drones into northern Israel, killing one person and injuring at least nine. While some rockets were intercepted, one struck a residential building in northern Israel.
No casualties were reported in Caesarea, though police noted explosions were heard near Netanyahu's holiday home. By midday, Hezbollah claimed responsibility for 11 attacks on Israeli military targets using rocket salvos but did not comment on any drone attacks or targeting of Netanyahu's home. Hezbollah has been exchanging fire with Israel since October.
Later in the day, Israeli media aired footage of Netanyahu walking in a park. In the video, recorded by one of his aides, he stated, "Nothing will deter us, we will keep going until victory."
The attack from Hezbollah coincided with reports from health officials in Gaza, where over 30 people were killed in Israeli airstrikes amid ongoing conflict with Hamas. Both Hamas and Hezbollah have vowed to continue fighting, dampening hopes for a resolution following the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, who was killed by Israeli forces last Wednesday. Sinwar had been a key figure behind the October 2023 attack that escalated the conflict in Gaza.
(Reporting by Maayan Lubell in Jerusalem, Maya Gebeily in Beirut, Nidal al-Mughrabi, Adam Makary in Cairo, Ali Sawafta in Ramallah, and Angelo Amante in Naples; Editing by Alex Richardson, Alison Williams, and David Evans.)
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Following the launch of a drone toward Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's residence and the barrage of rockets from Hezbollah, tensions have escalated in the region, marking a dangerous intensification in the ongoing conflict between Israel and its adversaries. While Netanyahu was unharmed and no damage was reported at his residence, the incident underscores the growing volatility in northern Israel.
Hezbollah's rocket and drone attacks, which claimed the life of one individual and left at least nine others injured, come amid an increasingly complex and violent landscape. Israeli police confirmed that while some rockets were intercepted by the defense system, others managed to hit civilian areas, adding to the mounting fear and devastation in the region. The attacks occurred alongside simultaneous military operations in Gaza, where Israeli forces continue to target Hamas militants.
In Gaza, Israeli airstrikes killed more than 30 people over the past day, according to health officials. These strikes are part of Israel's ongoing response to Hamas, which has also promised to continue its fight against Israeli forces. The death of Yahya Sinwar, a senior Hamas leader and architect of the October 2023 attacks, has done little to curb the violence. Instead, pledges from both Hamas and Hezbollah to persist in their operations have raised concerns that the conflict could spiral further out of control.
As Netanyahu addressed the public in a video released later on Saturday, he reaffirmed Israel's determination to continue its military campaigns, stating that Israel would not be deterred by any threats. "We will keep going until victory," Netanyahu declared, reflecting the hardline stance the Israeli government has taken as it confronts multiple fronts of conflict.
The ongoing clashes with Hezbollah in the north, paired with the devastating situation in Gaza, have led to widespread fears of a broader regional conflict. International calls for a ceasefire have so far been unsuccessful, as both sides remain entrenched in their positions. The humanitarian situation in Gaza is particularly dire, with reports of acute malnutrition and worsening living conditions as the fighting drags on.
The potential for further escalation looms, as the conflict in Gaza has not only heightened tensions between Israel and Palestinian factions but also risks drawing in other regional players, such as Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran. As the fighting continues, the international community remains watchful, with hopes for peace fading amid the relentless violence.
(Reporting by Maayan Lubell in Jerusalem, Maya Gebeily in Beirut, Nidal al-Mughrabi, Adam Makary in Cairo, Ali Sawafta in Ramallah, and Angelo Amante in Naples; Editing by Alex Richardson, Alison Williams, and David Evans.)
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