Hezbollah Rockets Strike Northern Israel, Civilian Casualties Reported
November 19, 2024
11:27 AM
Reading time: 4 minutes
On Monday, Hezbollah launched over 75 rockets at Israel, resulting in one fatality and dozens of injuries in the town of Shfaram, located in northern Israel. The attack claimed the life of a woman in her 50s, who was fatally injured while in a safe room. The incident also left 56 others wounded, including 18 children and teenagers, with two victims in serious condition—a 41-year-old woman and a four-year-old boy. One of the injured is a pregnant woman, according to Magen David Adom (MDA) officials.
The attack on Shfaram followed Hezbollah’s rocket barrage targeting other locations, including Tamra and Kabul (Acre). Several buildings in Shfaram were hit directly, causing extensive damage and trapping individuals in the rubble. Rescue operations were launched immediately to assist those affected.
Hezbollah's Ongoing Rocket Attacks
Throughout the day, Hezbollah launched multiple rockets at various Israeli towns, with some penetrating Israel's air defense systems. The IDF's Iron Dome intercepted many of these rockets, but a few still managed to strike civilian areas. The latest rocket fire underscores Hezbollah’s ongoing use of rockets and drones against Israeli targets, continuing the escalation of violence since the start of the conflict.
On a separate occasion, Hezbollah launched a ballistic missile aimed at central Israel. The missile was intercepted by Israel’s David's Sling system, but shrapnel from the missile hit a vehicle in Ramat Gan, injuring five people.
Israel Strikes Hezbollah in Lebanon
In retaliation, the IDF has intensified airstrikes on Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon, with an emphasis on eliminating the group’s strategic weaponry. Israeli forces have also conducted operations to clear Hezbollah cells operating near the Lebanese-Israeli border, aiming to prevent further attacks. These actions are part of a broader Israeli strategy to weaken Hezbollah’s ability to launch further rocket and drone attacks into Israel.
Tensions Continue to Escalate
In Lebanon, airstrikes have reportedly targeted non-Hezbollah locations, including areas near Lebanese government buildings in Beirut. While the Lebanese government has not confirmed all details, reports indicate that the strikes resulted in fatalities and injuries. Israel’s increasing military actions in Lebanon have been viewed as a tactic to pressure the Lebanese government and Hezbollah into agreeing to a ceasefire.
Other Developments in the Region
The conflict has extended beyond rocket fire. On Monday, an IDF interceptor missile malfunctioned, crashing into Jordanian territory after being launched to intercept a drone approaching Israel from Iraq. The incident, while nonfatal, highlights the complexity and risks of military operations during such a high-intensity conflict.