Netanyahu Accuses Hezbollah of Attempted Assassination, Promises Retaliation
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has described a drone strike on his residence in northern Israel as an assassination attempt orchestrated by Iran’s proxy Hezbollah. He has pledged to retaliate, stating that it was a serious error and promising that the responsible parties will face severe consequences.
The drone targeted Netanyahu’s home in Caesarea on October 19 while he and his wife were not present, as confirmed by his spokesperson. Despite no group immediately claiming responsibility for the attack, there were no casualties reported.
Prior to this, the Israeli military reported that a drone launched from Lebanon hit a building, although the specific target was unclear. Additionally, two other drones violated Israeli airspace but were intercepted successfully.
In response to the incident, Netanyahu issued a warning attributing the attack to Hezbollah, a Lebanese militia supported by Iran.
“The attempt by Iran’s proxy Hezbollah to assassinate me and my wife today was a serious mistake,” the Israeli leader stated. “This will not deter me or Israel from continuing our just fight against our enemies to secure our future.”
Netanyahu emphasized that the attack would not go unanswered and reiterated Israel’s determination to achieve all objectives in the ongoing conflict with Hamas.
He further warned Iran and its allies in the “axis of evil” that any threat to Israeli citizens will result in severe consequences. He affirmed the commitment to eliminate terrorists, free hostages in Gaza, and ensure the safety of citizens residing on the country’s northern border.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry supported Netanyahu’s statement, reaffirming the nation’s resolve to eliminate terrorist threats, secure the release of hostages, and restore security to northern communities.
The defense minister of Israel, Yoav Gallant, condemned the drone strike, vowed retaliation, and asserted that the military remains resolute in its mission to eradicate Hamas.
The drone strike has sparked speculation online that it may be linked to the recent death of Yahya Sinwar, the top Hamas leader, at the hands of Israeli forces.
Sinwar, who had been a prime target for Israel since the deadly incursion by Hamas operatives into Israel in October 2023, was killed during a military operation in Gaza on October 16. His death represents a significant blow to Hamas, which has been the target of Israeli military actions following last year’s attack that resulted in casualties and hostages.
Netanyahu hailed Sinwar’s elimination as a pivotal moment in the conflict, recognizing it as a significant achievement.
The attempted assassination of an Israeli prime minister by an Iranian proxy indicates a rare escalation, possibly signaling a willingness by Tehran’s allies to engage in more aggressive actions. Iran has long supported Hezbollah as a strategic partner, utilizing it for operations against Israel in the region.
The incident on Saturday occurred shortly after a Hezbollah drone attack killed soldiers and injured many at a military base near Caesarea, where Netanyahu’s summer residence is situated.
Reuters contributed to this report.
