Deadly Rocket Attack in Golan Heights Heightens Fears of Regional Conflict

Tragic Incident in Majdal Shams

TEL AVIV, Israel (AP) — The Middle East is bracing for a potential flare-up in violence after a rocket from Lebanon struck a soccer field in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights, killing 12 children and teens. This attack, described by the military as the deadliest on civilians since October 7, has heightened fears of a broader regional war between Israel and Hezbollah. Notably, Hezbollah, in a rare move, has denied responsibility for the attack.

The tragic incident occurred on Saturday, July 27, in the Druze town of Majdal Shams, located about 12 kilometres south of Lebanon and near the Syrian border. The rocket hit while dozens of children and teens were playing, resulting in 12 fatalities and 20 injuries. The Israeli military is investigating why the rocket wasn't intercepted, speculating that its short journey might have left insufficient reaction time. A bomb shelter stood near the blackened field, mere steps away.

Local resident Anan Abu Saleh expressed the community’s anguish: “I feel darkness inside and out. Nothing like this happened here. There’s no way to explain this. I saw children, I don’t want to say what I saw, but it’s horrible, really horrible. We need more security.” On Sunday, a crowd of thousands mourned as coffins passed by, with photos of the victims displayed at a roundabout and candles lit at dusk.

Israel’s Military Response

Following the attack, the Israeli military retaliated by striking several targets inside Lebanon overnight. The intensity of these strikes was comparable to the ongoing cross-border skirmishes between Israel and Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed militant group. Although Hezbollah admitted to conducting retaliatory strikes, it denied launching the deadly rocket. There were no immediate reports of casualties from these overnight strikes.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who hurried back from the U.S., warned that Hezbollah “will pay a heavy price for this attack, one that it has not paid so far.” The security Cabinet has authorized Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant to decide on the appropriate response. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that “every indication” pointed to Hezbollah’s involvement. The Israeli military identified the weapon as an Iranian-made Falaq rocket with a 53-kilogram warhead, typically used by Hezbollah.

Potential for Wider Conflict

This incident could lead to a more severe Israeli response, given the significant death toll and the young age of the victims. The attack came at a time when violence along the Israel-Lebanon border had simmered but remained below the threshold of all-out war, even as conflict raged in Gaza. Hezbollah began firing at Israel following Hamas’ attack on October 7, prompting Israel to target Hezbollah’s military infrastructure with airstrikes and drones. Most of these attacks have been confined to border areas, but Israel has also conducted operations against Hezbollah and Hamas leaders deeper inside Lebanon. Tens of thousands of residents along the border have evacuated due to the conflict.

Since early October, Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon have resulted in over 500 deaths, including around 90 civilians. On the Israeli side, 22 soldiers and 24 civilians have been killed. Hezbollah possesses significantly more firepower than Hamas, and a conflict in Israel’s north would stretch its military resources while it is engaged in Gaza. Barak Ben-Zur, a researcher at the International Institute of Counter-Terrorism, warned that igniting a war in the north could overburden the Israeli military.

Lebanon is also preparing for potential escalation. The national airline postponed several flights to Beirut, and Caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati held urgent discussions with diplomats and politicians. Abdallah Dalal, a resident of the Lebanese border village of Chebaa, expressed concern: “I doubt that there will be a strike, but nothing is far-fetched when it comes to the enemy.” The rocket that struck Majdal Shams was reportedly fired from a location nearby.

Iran, an ally of Hezbollah, has warned Israel that a strong response would lead to “unprecedented consequences.” This warning comes after the shadow war between Iran and Israel became more overt in April when Iran launched 300 missiles and drones at Israel, most of which were intercepted. The United Nations Secretary-General has called for maximum restraint from all parties involved.

Impact on Gaza Cease-Fire Talks

The Golan Heights incident complicates ongoing cease-fire negotiations between Israel and Hamas. U.S., Egyptian, and Qatari officials are currently in Rome, meeting with Israeli officials to push for an end to the nearly 10-month war in Gaza. Despite the fresh violence, negotiations will continue, with David Barnea, the head of Israel’s Mossad spy agency, returning home for further talks.

An Egyptian official suggested that the attack in the Golan Heights could add urgency to the cease-fire negotiations, as a resolution in Gaza might also lead to de-escalation with Hezbollah. The official, speaking anonymously due to the sensitivity of the talks, said, “Both fronts are connected. A cease-fire in Gaza will lead to a cease-fire with Hezbollah.” The Egyptian foreign ministry has called for immediate international intervention to prevent further escalation and disastrous consequences for the region.