Two flash bombs landed in the garden of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s residence in Caesarea on Saturday. Netanyahu and his family were not present at the time. Israeli authorities condemned the attack as a dangerous escalation and pledged to bring the perpetrators to justice.
Key Details of the Incident:
– The flares landed in the courtyard of Netanyahu’s property, according to a joint statement from the police and Shin Bet.
– Israeli President Isaac Herzog called the incident deeply alarming and urged swift action to identify those responsible.
– Defense Minister Israel Katz denounced the attack, emphasizing the dual threats Netanyahu faces from external adversaries like Iran and Hezbollah, as well as internal unrest.
Previous Attack and Hezbollah’s Role:
This is the second attack near Netanyahu’s residence in recent months. In October, a drone attributed to Hezbollah targeted the property. Netanyahu accused the Iran-backed group of attempting to assassinate him and his wife, declaring, *“We are going to win this war.”*
Hezbollah’s Escalation:
On the same day as the flash bomb incident, Hezbollah launched its largest rocket barrage yet, striking a synagogue in Haifa and injuring two people. The Israeli military intercepted several projectiles but reported damage in northern towns as air raid sirens blared across the region.
Israeli Response:
– The Israeli military intensified operations in southern Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah positions.
– Airstrikes hit key areas, including Beirut’s Dahiyeh suburb and the port city of Tyre, reportedly killing civilians, including a family of six.
– Israeli troops briefly advanced into the village of Chamaa in southern Lebanon before retreating after clashes with Hezbollah fighters.
The flare attack at Netanyahu’s residence, coupled with the escalating violence along the Israel-Lebanon border, underscores the growing tensions between Israel and Hezbollah amid an already volatile regional conflict.