A community center in the northern border village of Arab al-Aramshe in Israel was the site of a violent attack on Wednesday, as a drone carrying explosives, fired from Lebanon, struck the facility causing injuries to 18 individuals. Among the victims hospitalized at Galilee Medical Center in Nahariya, one was listed in critical condition, while two others sustained serious injuries. Four were moderately wounded, and the remaining individuals suffered minor injuries.
The drone attack, for which Hezbollah has claimed responsibility, was allegedly in retaliation for the recent deaths of three of its members, including two commanders, in Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon. A statement from Hezbollah described the community center as a building utilized by the Israeli military.
Witnesses shared footage on social media purportedly showing the drone as it plummeted onto the community center. The absence of warning sirens prior to the strike is under IDF investigation, as the community was taken by surprise.
In response to the assault, the IDF announced that they had targeted the launch sites and a building in southern Lebanon’s Ayta ash-Shab, where Hezbollah operatives were reportedly present.
Hezbollah’s statement asserted that their attacks, which have been occurring daily since October 8, are in solidarity with Gaza amidst the conflict there. Only hours before the drone strike, Hezbollah launched several rockets at the Biranit army base from Lebanon, though no injuries were reported. Israeli forces shelled the launch sites in retaliation.
The IDF also conducted overnight strikes on several Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, hitting military compounds and buildings in multiple locations.
The tension between Israel and Hezbollah has escalated with daily exchanges of fire along the border. Israel has warned of the possibility of war if Hezbollah does not retreat from the border and cease threatening northern communities, from where approximately 70,000 residents have been evacuated.
The recent border skirmishes have resulted in eight civilian deaths in Israel, along with the deaths of ten IDF soldiers and reservists. Hezbollah has reported the loss of 278 of its members, most in Lebanon, but some also in Syria. Additional fatalities include 54 operatives from other terror groups, a Lebanese soldier, and at least 60 civilians.
The regional context remains fraught, with Iran launching an unprecedented attack involving over 300 drones, missiles, and ballistic missiles against Israel. While 99% were intercepted, the Iranian assault underscores the heightened risks of a broader military escalation in the Middle East.
Relevant articles:
– 7 hurt, 2 seriously, as Hezbollah drone hits community center in northern Israel
– Israel says Iran launched more than 300 drones and missiles, 99% of which were intercepted, The Associated Press, Sun, 14 Apr 2024 04:40:00 GMT
– 18 injured, 4 seriously, in attack on northern Israel community center, Ynetnews, Wed, 17 Apr 2024 10:38:38 GMT
– Iran and Israel’s shadow war has lasted years: Key moments before the attack, The Washington Post, Tue, 16 Apr 2024 14:55:00 GMT