“Lebanon Will Pay the Price”: Hezbollah on Alert After Rocket Attack Kills Druze Children

Majdal Shams, Israel – Hezbollah has been on high alert for several months, anticipating potential severe attacks, according to sources within the organization.

“We are constantly on alert, and the organization is now expecting a severe attack,” Hezbollah stated to a German news agency.

Ali Fayad, a Hezbollah member of the Lebanese parliament, confirmed the organization’s readiness for various scenarios, including ground conflict.

During a speech in Markaba, southern Lebanon, Fayad asserted, “The Lebanese resistance has the full right to defend itself, which allows it to use all the tools and capabilities at its disposal to protect itself, its community, its nation, and its homeland.”

Adding to the regional tension, Druze-Lebanese politician Wiam Wahhab, known for his close ties to Hezbollah, called for an end to the hostilities.

He cautioned against actions that could jeopardize Lebanon’s future. “It is time to stop the bloodshed. The region is on a volcano, and Lebanon will pay the price,” Wahhab stated this morning.

In a related development, the Iranian Foreign Ministry issued a stern warning to Israel: “We warn Israel against any new adventure against Lebanon, using the pretext of the incident in Majdal Shams. Israel bears primary responsibility for any unexpected responses to its foolish behavior.”

The escalating conflict drew international attention, with the Lebanese Foreign Minister revealing to Reuters that the US has urged the Lebanese government to restrain Hezbollah.

The gravity of the situation was starkly highlighted by the tragic event in Majdal Shams, northern Israel, on July 28, 2024. Families of children killed by a Hezbollah rocket launch gathered to mourn their loss.

The scene of the attack, a football field, was visited by IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, who met with Druze community leaders, local council representatives, Northern Command Commander Maj.-Gen. Ori Gordin, and the commander of the 210th Division, Brig. Gen. Yair Palai.

Halevi condemned the attack and emphasized the IDF’s commitment to protecting Israeli citizens. “We know exactly where today’s rocket was launched from. We examined the remnants of the rocket on the football field wall. We can confirm that it was a Falaq rocket with a 53-kilogram warhead. This is a Hezbollah rocket.”

He added, “Anyone who fires such a rocket into a populated area aims to kill civilians, to kill children. We strongly support the Druze community, which is our courageous and full partner, along with all other Israeli citizens, in the fight for our home. We strongly support the residents of Majdal Shams, embrace the bereaved families, and wish a swift and full recovery to all the wounded.”

As tensions continue to simmer, the region remains on edge, with both sides bracing for possible escalations. The international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that averts further bloodshed and instability in an already volatile area.