Hezbollah Drone Strike in Central Israel Leaves Over 60 Injured, Four Soldiers Dead

On Sunday, a Hezbollah drone strike hit a military base near Binyamina, approximately 20 miles south of Haifa, causing widespread injuries and fatalities. According to Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) and rescue services, over 60 individuals were wounded, and four soldiers were killed in the attack, which targeted the Israeli Defense Forces’ (IDF) Golani Brigade training camp.

Israeli media reported that two drones were launched from Lebanon, one of which was intercepted by Israeli air defenses, while the other struck the base, wreaking havoc among military personnel. The strike comes as tensions between Israel and Hezbollah escalate, following a series of recent clashes and airstrikes in southern Lebanon.

Hezbollah Claims Responsibility

Hezbollah, a Lebanese militant group backed by Iran, claimed responsibility for the drone strike, asserting it was in retaliation for Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon last week, which resulted in the deaths of 22 individuals. In a statement, Hezbollah emphasized that the attack was a response to Israel’s aggression and was carried out in solidarity with the Palestinian cause and in defense of Lebanon.

The drones used in the attack were identified as “Mirsad” drones, a type of suicide drone manufactured by Iran and commonly employed by Hezbollah. These drones have a range of 120 kilometers and can carry up to 40 kilograms of explosives, making them particularly dangerous in close-quarters combat.

Casualties and Rescue Efforts

Rescue services, including the Magen David Adom (MDA), were quick to arrive at the scene, coordinating with IDF medical teams to treat the injured. Reports indicate that 61 individuals were treated for injuries ranging from mild to critical. Seven of those injured are in critical condition, and three are being treated for life-threatening injuries. Many of the wounded soldiers were airlifted to hospitals across northern Israel, including Hillel Yaffe Medical Center in Hadera, Sheba Medical Center in Ramat Gan, and Rambam Hospital in Haifa.

Footage from the scene shows emergency vehicles rushing to transport victims to medical facilities, with ambulances and helicopters used to transfer the injured from the base. Most of the casualties were inside a dining hall when the drone hit, resulting in significant shrapnel injuries. In addition to the physical wounds, the MDA reported treating nine individuals for acute anxiety following the attack.

Escalating Conflict with Hezbollah

The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has been intensifying over the past year, as hostilities in Lebanon and Gaza continue to spill over into Israeli territory. Hezbollah’s latest drone attack follows months of heightened military activity between the two sides. The escalation began last October when Hezbollah began launching rockets at northern Israel in response to Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. Since then, more than 2,100 people have died in Lebanon due to Israeli airstrikes and military incursions, displacing over 1.2 million civilians, according to Lebanese authorities.

Israeli political analysts warn that the conflict is far from over. According to Gideon Levy, a well-known Israeli commentator, the ongoing hostilities signal the beginning of a new phase in the war with Lebanon. “We are at the beginning of the war in Lebanon, not the end,” Levy remarked, highlighting the long-term implications of the conflict on both sides.

U.S. Support and Air Defense Assistance

In response to the increasing threat posed by Hezbollah and other militant groups, the United States has announced that it will send additional air-defense systems to Israel. The Pentagon confirmed that the U.S. would deploy a Terminal High-Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) system, along with military personnel, to assist in protecting Israeli airspace from incoming missile and drone attacks.

The deployment of the THAAD system follows a directive from U.S. President Joe Biden, who has expressed strong support for Israel’s security amid the ongoing conflict. According to U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, the deployment is intended to bolster Israel’s defense capabilities following multiple Iranian-backed attacks over the past year.

Pentagon spokesperson Pat Ryder explained that the THAAD battery would be positioned to enhance Israel’s existing air-defense systems, which include the Iron Dome, David’s Sling, and Arrow systems. Despite these advanced defenses, the recent drone strike highlighted a critical vulnerability: low-altitude, small-scale drones are harder to detect and intercept, particularly in civilian or densely populated areas.

Growing Concerns Over Drone Warfare

Hezbollah’s use of drones has raised concerns about the growing prevalence of unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) warfare in the Middle East. Drones, which fly at lower altitudes and can avoid detection by traditional radar systems, present a significant challenge to Israel’s air-defense network.

Al Jazeera correspondent Nour Odeh, reporting from Amman, Jordan, emphasized that Hezbollah’s drone capabilities have advanced in recent years, allowing the militant group to bypass some of Israel’s most sophisticated defense measures. “These drones are harder to detect, and because they fly at lower altitudes, they are much more difficult to intercept,” she explained.

Looking Ahead

As Israel grapples with the immediate aftermath of the drone strike, military officials have vowed to investigate the incident thoroughly. Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, a spokesperson for the IDF, assured the public that steps would be taken to strengthen Israel’s defense systems and prevent future attacks. “We are required to provide better protection, and we will learn from this incident,” Hagari stated.

In the meantime, Israel’s military campaign in southern Lebanon continues, as air raids and ground operations intensify. With Hezbollah vowing to continue its attacks, the region remains on high alert, with no end in sight to the ongoing conflict.