The Iranian-backed Lebanese terror group Hezbollah launched a rocket attack on a soccer field in Israel-controlled Golan Heights Saturday, killing at least 12, mostly children.
American and Israeli officials are concerned that the horrific assault could lead to a wider war in the region.
Foreign Minister Israel Katz discussed the deadly attack with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and declared that “Hezbollah crossed all red lines” and the Jewish state was now “facing an all-out war” with the Lebanese terrorists.
“I have no doubt that we’ll pay a cost,” Katz said, adding Hezbollah will pay a higher toll for its actions.
The funeral of the children who were murdered in the Hezbollah massacre in Majdal Shams football field
May They Rest in Peace 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/nLIVJZ2DSj
— Mossad Commentary (@MOSSADil) July 27, 2024
As the Israelis mull over their response, American officials are watching closely:
The Biden administration is extremely worried Hezbollah’s rocket attack on Golan Heights Saturday that killed at least 12 and wounded dozens of others could “trigger” a full-scale war between Israel and the Iran-backed terror group, according to a report.
US officials are fretting that without a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas terrorists over the ongoing fighting in Gaza, a war between the Jewish state and Iran-backed Hezbollah is becoming more likely — which will fuel the regional crisis and drag the United States even further into the ongoing conflict, Axios reported.
“What happened today could be the trigger we have been worried about and tried to avoid for 10 months,” one American official told the outlet.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, fresh off his D.C. visits with lame-duck President Joe Biden and unsupportive VP Kamala Harris, issued a video in which he said, according to one translation, “I can say that the State of Israel will not pass over this in silence.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a video statement. Here’s a rough and ready translation:
“Citizens of Israel, like you, I was shocked. I was shocked to see the terrible pictures following the murderous attack by Hezbollah on Majdal Shams.
“Those murdered… pic.twitter.com/DhUUQmegJA
— Mike (@Doranimated) July 27, 2024
Donald Trump also weighed in with a statement:
“This is so serious,” said Trump, who learned of the attack as he was about to go on stage at an event in Nashville. “They have to respect our country. This would have never happened with us and we cannot let it continue.”
I can’t overstate this:
The Middle East is now potentially hours away from the most devastating war in its bloody history.
A Israel-Hezbollah war would likely yield a shocking number of fatalities and destruction.
The US knew this day would come. Our leaders have failed.
— Jonathan Schanzer (@JSchanzer) July 27, 2024
This is a developing story and RedState will bring you updates as warranted.