In a significant escalation of tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border, a rocket attack on Saturday killed 12 children and teenagers in the northern Israeli town of Majdal Shams. Israeli military officials have identified the projectile as an Iranian-made "Falaq-1" rocket, marking a concerning development in the ongoing conflict.
Key Details:
• The Falaq-1 is a 240mm rocket with a range of approximately 10 kilometers
• It carries a 50-kilogram warhead of conventional explosives
• Total weight of the rocket: 110 kilograms
• Typically launched from vehicle-mounted, multi-barrel systems
IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, speaking at the impact site, stated, "We know exactly where the rocket was launched from. ... Whoever fires such a rocket into a populated area wants to kill civilians, wants to kill children."
This attack follows Hezbollah's January claim of first using the Falaq-1 against Israel, with another confirmed launch in March targeting Mount Dov. The use of these more advanced weapons systems signals a potential shift in the militant group's capabilities and tactics.
The IDF conducted retaliatory strikes overnight, targeting Hezbollah positions across seven areas in southern Lebanon. An Israeli source, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Kan News that "A harsh response is expected, but we don't want to be dragged into a full-scale war."
U.S. officials are working to prevent further escalation. A senior American official stated to Kan News, "We want to prevent a war in the north, not postpone it."
* Kann 11 News contributed to this article.