According to Ynet news reports, the IDF stated that the deadly strike was in retaliation for the elimination of members of Hezbollah's elite Radwan force in the southern Lebanese town of Kfarkela. "We killed a Hezbollah operative, and in response, they killed children. The IDF is ready to retaliate," the military declared.
An initial investigation by the IDF revealed that the air defence systems struggled to intercept the rocket, and the Air Force is reviewing the incident. No restrictions from the Home Front Command were imposed on Majdal Shams at the time of the attack, allowing the soccer practice to continue.
Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi are leading security consultations in the absence of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is currently on a state visit to the United States. Gallant and senior Northern Command officials have been advocating for increased military action against Hezbollah and have recommended focusing operations on Lebanon rather than Gaza.
Foreign Minister Israel Katz condemned the attack, stating that it crossed all red lines and would prompt a significant response. "We are approaching a full-scale war with Hezbollah and Lebanon," Katz declared. "We will face challenges both on the battlefield and at home, but by the end of the conflict, Nasrallah and Hezbollah will be defeated, and Lebanon will face severe consequences. We will restore peace and security to the northern communities and launch a global campaign to secure international support for our actions in Lebanon."
Hezbollah sources denied involvement in the attack on Majdal Shams, labelling Israeli accusations as false. An official Hezbollah statement read, "Hezbollah completely denies the accusations from Israeli media regarding the attack on Majdal Shams. Hezbollah confirms it has no connection to the incident."
The rocket barrage began at 6:18 p.m., with reports indicating that Hezbollah launched dozens of rockets at northern Israeli communities. The Hezbollah-affiliated Lebanese network Al Mayadeen reported that over 100 rockets were fired over an hour toward the Galilee and Golan Heights, following the killing of four Radwan force operatives in Kfarkela.
