A drone from Lebanon struck a structure in Caesarea, targeting Prime Minister Netanyahu’s residence, but no casualties were reported.
The Israeli military reported that a drone crossed into Israel from Lebanon on Saturday, striking the town of Caesarea. Local media said the drone was targeting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s residence.
Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu.
At least 21 killed in Israeli attacks on towns in northern Lebanon
Israel expanded its military operations against Hezbollah freedom fighters in Lebanon, launching attacks that killed at least 21 people in the Christian-majority town of Aitou, according to Lebanese health officials.
The Israeli attack targeted a house that had been rented to displaced families, injuring an additional eight people.
Rescue workers sifted through debris, while images of burned vehicles and damaged trees spread across the media.
In addition to its escalating invasion, Israel ordered the evacuation of 25 villages in southern Lebanon, urging residents to move north of the Awali River, approximately 60 kilometres from the Israeli border.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, addressing the press after visiting a military base where four Israeli soldiers were killed by a Hezbollah drone strike, vowed to continue attacking Hezbollah “without mercy” throughout Lebanon, including Beirut.
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah resumed in late 2023 when Hezbollah began firing rockets in support of Hamas freedom fighters.
While Israel’s military campaign in Lebanon continues, tensions are rising with the United Nations peacekeeping force, UNIFIL, stationed in southern Lebanon.
Netanyahu safe: Spokesperson
A spokesperson for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu later confirmed that the drone was launched toward his home in Caesarea, Reuters reported. It added that Netanyahu was not in the vicinity and there were no casualties.
The Israel Defene Force reported that two other drones were intercepted, and warning sirens sounded in Glilot, north of Tel Aviv, as a result of the incident. However, the military later ruled out a drone attack in that area.
The IDF stated that it is investigating the incident.
Drone attack follows Israel’s claim of major victory after killing Hamas chief
The attack comes just days after Yahya Sinwar, the mastermind behind Hamas’ October 7, 2023, assault on Israel that triggered the Gaza war, was killed in a gunfight with Israeli forces on Wednesday following a year-long manhunt. His death was officially announced on Thursday.
Sinwar’s death will not halt ‘Axis of Resistance’: Iran’s supreme leader
On Saturday, Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said that Sinwar’s death will not stop the “Axis of Resistance” and that Hamas will endure.
“His loss is undoubtedly painful for the Axis of Resistance, but this front did not stop advancing with the martyrdom of prominent figures,” Khamenei stated. “Hamas is alive and will remain alive.”
The “Axis of Resistance,” built over years with Iranian support, includes Hamas, Lebanon’s Hezbollah, Yemen’s Houthi movement, and various Shi’ite groups in Iraq and Syria, all opposing Israel and U.S. influence in the Middle East.