In a shocking escalation of violence, a Hezbollah drone strike targeted an Israeli army base in the Binyamina area, killing four soldiers and injuring over 60 others. This attack marks the deadliest strike on Israeli soil since the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah intensified last month.
Residents living near the base described a loud explosion followed by the chaotic arrival of multiple ambulances. Yousef, a local restaurant manager in Kfar Kara, recounted the harrowing events of the night, noting, “There was a huge boom, and then ambulances started driving past, first one, then two, then three, and more.” Initially suspecting organized crime as the cause of the explosion, Yousef was stunned to learn it originated from the nearby military base, located less than a kilometer from his establishment. He expressed concern about Hezbollah’s knowledge of the base’s location, asking, “What if next time they fire and are slightly off target?”
Witnesses reported that no warning sirens were sounded prior to the drone strike. Eyal Nabet, a resident of Kibbutz Regavim, confirmed that although he did not hear the explosion, the proximity was evident from news coverage. He added that the kibbutz’s security team had been quickly alerted, and despite the scare, recent renovations of bomb shelters provided residents with a sense of security.
The Israeli military has pledged a thorough investigation into the incident, with Defence Minister Yoav Gallant acknowledging the tragic outcome and emphasizing the need to learn from the event. He stated, “We must investigate it, study the details, and implement lessons in a swift and professional manner,” assuring that efforts are underway to enhance defenses against drone attacks.
In a statement following the attack, Hezbollah threatened to intensify its strikes against Israel unless its operations in Lebanon cease. The Iran-backed group stated, “What it witnessed today in southern Haifa is nothing compared to what awaits it if it decides to continue its aggression against our noble and dear people.”
As the situation escalates, a palpable sense of helplessness lingers among residents near the targeted base. One local kiosk proprietor voiced the community’s frustration, saying, “What can we do?”
Sources By Agencies
