(New York, N.Y.) – On July 27, Hezbollah fired a rocket from Lebanon that killed at least 12 and wounded more than 30 on a soccer field in the Druze town of Majdal Shams in Israel’s Golan Heights. All the fatalities were between the ages of 10 and 20. Hezbollah initially claimed responsibility for launching a barrage of Katyusha rockets and a single heavy Falaq rocket at a nearby military base, but denied responsibility for the strike on the soccer field. 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed Hezbollah’s denial and promises Hezbollah will “pay a heavy price, the kind it has thus far not paid.” The rocket strike is Hezbollah’s deadliest since it began launching rockets in October 2023. U.S. officials warn that the attack could spark a full-on Hezbollah-Israel war.

Expert Analysis: 

CEP Non-resident Fellow Ari Heistein

“The Hezbollah attack, which killed 12 children playing soccer in the Druze town of Majdal Shams on Israel’s Golan Heights, is a tragedy with significant national security implications. First, given the reported progress in Israel-Hamas talks, the attack occurred at a moment of real possibility for de-escalation in Gaza which could have quieted down Israel’s other fronts, including Lebanon. Hezbollah’s attack may yet set off a chain of escalatory responses between the two sides which turn Lebanon into the primary front and scuttle any ceasefire- for-hostage deal that was on the table with Hamas.  

“Second, the tragedy in Majdal Shams highlights the dangers facing 60,000 displaced Israelis if they return to their homes along the Lebanese border before the Hezbollah threat has been resolved via diplomatic agreement or major military operation. Unfortunately, given Hezbollah’s record of failing to abide by norms and commitments, the latter option may be the only resolution that Israelis actually trust enough to return home.”

Israel and Hezbollah have been at war since October 7, with the terrorist group firing at Israel for months from its Lebanese strongholds. Thousands of Israeli citizens have been forcibly displaced as a result of the barrages. Although Israel has not yet responded to the attack, the U.S. is pushing the Jewish state not to target Beirut in retaliation, while Lebanon deputy parliament speaker Elias Bou Saab has said that Israel can avoid a major escalation if it stays clear of the capital. 

CEP Resources:

To read CEPs Group Report on Hezbollah, click here.