Hezbollah was on high alert after an Israeli retaliation was expected following a deadly attack on Majdal Shams, killing 12 children. The organization evacuated central facilities in eastern Lebanon and the south in anticipation of potential “Israeli escalation,” according to Reuters. Despite denying involvement in the rocket attack, a senior official for the Iran-backed group warned of dire consequences if Israel initiated a war against Lebanon.
Lebanon’s foreign minister, Abdallah Bou Habib, sought U.S. intervention to persuade Israel to exercise restraint, while the U.S. urged Lebanon and Hezbollah to show similar restraint. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized Israel’s right to self-defense while urging against further conflict escalation along the northern border.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant vowed a forceful response, promising retaliation for the tragic loss of children. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, cutting short his U.S. visit, faced criticism for delays in returning to address the escalating situation.