Netanyahu Pledges Retaliation, Warns Hezbollah of ‘Heavy Price’ After Golan Heights Attack

TEL AVIV — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed significant retribution against Hezbollah following a deadly missile strike on the town of Majdal Shams in the northern occupied Golan Heights, which resulted in 12 deaths and 25 injuries.

According to Philippines News Agency, Netanyahu communicated via telephone with Sheikh Mowafaq Tarif, the spiritual leader of the Druze community in Israel, affirming that Israel would not ignore the assault and promising that “Hezbollah will pay a heavy price which it has not paid up to now.” The specifics of the retaliation were not disclosed. The Israeli military has attributed the attack to Hezbollah, although the Lebanese group has denied involvement.

Further escalating the situation, Netanyahu cut short his visit to Washington, where he had been engaging with U.S. leaders, including President Joe Biden and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump, and addressing the US Congress. The rising tensions come amidst ongoing hostilities along the Lebanon-Israel border and Israel’s continued offensive in the Gaza Strip, triggered by an earlier attack from Hamas.