1 Israeli soldier dead, 8 injured by Hezbollah rocket barrage

This marks one of the highest casualty counts from a single Hezbollah attack publicly acknowledged by Israel since the conflict began four months ago

At least one Israeli soldier was killed, and eight others were injured in a Hezbollah rocket attack in Safad, northern Israel, Wednesday morning.

This marked one of the highest casualty counts from a single Hezbollah attack publicly acknowledged by Israel since the conflict began four months ago.  

Safad is home to Israel’s northern military command headquarters. The Hezbollah missiles traveled 15 kilometers (9.3 miles) to strike Safad and other Israeli targets without being intercepted by the Iron Dome missile defense system, as Hezbollah typically uses low-flying guided anti-tank missiles to evade interception. 

Hezbollah and Israel have engaged in confrontations across their shared border following a surprise attack by Hamas on the Gaza perimeter on Oct.7.

These clashes have escalated over time. 

In response to the missile launches, the Israeli military reported the death of one Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldier and injuries to several others.

Israel stated that it had initiated actions to target the origin of the missile launches in southern Lebanon.

Additionally, the Israeli war council reportedly met to discuss potential reactions. 

The recent attack, which occurred on Wednesday, is part of a series of deliberate killings of Hezbollah leaders and intense aerial bombardments in the border regions of southern Lebanon. 

On Feb.10, Israel targeted the entrance of a mosque in the Lebanese town of Houla as worshippers were leaving afternoon prayers, resulting in the death of one person and injuries to 11 others. 

The ongoing conflict has led to the deaths of at least 231 individuals in Lebanon, predominantly Hezbollah combatants, according to an Agence France-Presse (AFP) count. Israel reports that 10 soldiers and six civilians have been killed, although Hezbollah asserts that the actual number is significantly higher.

Hezbollah has expressed its willingness to cease hostilities along the Lebanese-Israeli border contingent upon a cease-fire in Gaza. 

In response, Israel has stated that it would demand Hezbollah’s withdrawal from the border areas to ensure the safety and security of the approximately 100,000 Israelis displaced from northern Israel, allowing them to return. 

Various Western and regional powers have been actively involved in negotiations to mediate between the two parties and avert a large-scale war. 

During a speech on Jan.13, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah asserted that Israel “lacks the authority to dictate terms to Lebanon.” 

Source: Newsroom