On Friday morning, the tranquility of northern Israel was shattered as sirens blared across Haifa and the surrounding Krayot area shortly after 8:30 AM. The alert extended to Kiryat Ata, Kiryat Yam, Nesher, and reached as far as Tirat Carmel, signaling a widespread threat.
Initial reports painted a concerning picture, with two impact sites identified in Haifa and the sound of interceptions echoing across the city. In Kiryat Yam, the threat became tangible as shrapnel struck a vehicle, bringing the danger close to home for local residents.
The IDF was quick to respond, with a spokesperson confirming that approximately ten launches had been detected crossing from Lebanon. While some rockets were successfully intercepted, others found their mark in open areas.
Emergency services sprang into action, with Magen David Adom teams dispatched to multiple locations. Despite the intensity of the attack, there was a collective sigh of relief as no casualties were reported in the immediate aftermath.
The police issued a statement detailing their response, noting interceptions towards Haifa Bay and the Krayot. They reported no significant impacts or damage, save for some interception debris near Kfar Hasidim. As a precautionary measure, police and bomb disposal experts conducted additional searches, while urging the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious findings.
This attack followed an earlier incident in Tiberias, where a single rocket fired from Lebanon miraculously fell into the Sea of Galilee without causing casualties.
Against this backdrop of ongoing attacks, local leaders voiced their frustration over reports of a potential ceasefire initiative with Hezbollah. Michael Kabasa, Head of Hatzor HaGlilit Council, expressed vehement opposition to any such discussions. He emphasized the toll on residents, stating, "My residents have been living in a crazy reality for a year, in shelters, with anxieties." Kabasa warned against halting the current momentum, describing any such move as "no less than a delusion."
Echoing these sentiments, Yehuda Duah, Head of Katzrin Local Council, presented a stark ultimatum: "It's either Israel simply announces it's separating from the north - or they want to return residents in full security."
In Haifa, Mayor Yona Yahav sought to reassure residents, calling for continued adherence to safety instructions and asserting that city management remained in constant contact with all security and emergency factors.