A drone attack yesterday targeted the private residence of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Caesarea, reportedly launched from Lebanon.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, Netanyahu and his wife, Sara, were not at home during the incident, and no injuries resulted from the attack.
The assault marks a significant escalation amid ongoing hostilities in the region, particularly in the wake of the conflict with Hamas.
The drone strike on Netanyahu’s residence was part of a broader wave of threats from Lebanon. In addition to the attempted attack, two other drones originating from Lebanon were intercepted and downed by Israel’s air defense systems.
The interception of the drones led to sirens sounding in Tel Aviv, as well as multiple northern communities, including areas in the Haifa Bay region.
Cities and towns such as Kfar HaMaccabi, Usha, and Kiryat Yam were among those affected by the alerts, which included warnings of possible incoming rocket fire from Lebanon.
The incidents come amid heightened conflict following the October 7 attacks by Hamas, leading to a continued military response by Israel.
Prime Minister Netanyahu addressed the escalating situation in a video shared on social media platform “X” (formerly Twitter), urging for an end to hostilities and calling on Hamas to disarm and release hostages. He suggested that the war could end swiftly if Hamas agreed to these conditions.
Netanyahu confirmed that Israel holds Hamas responsible for 101 hostages currently in Gaza, including individuals from 23 different countries as well as Israeli citizens.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to securing the safe return of all captives, emphasizing that every possible resource would be used to ensure their release.
In his statement, Netanyahu assured that those who facilitated or carried out harm against the hostages would be held accountable and brought to justice.
The Prime Minister further revealed that Yahya Sinwar, a senior Hamas figure who played a key role in orchestrating the October 7 attacks, had been killed by Israeli forces in Rafah.
Netanyahu highlighted Sinwar’s death as a pivotal moment in the conflict, potentially weakening Hamas’ leadership and affecting its operations.
As tensions continue to rise, Netanyahu conveyed a message of hope, asserting that an alliance of terrorist organizations, which he claimed were supported by Iran, was beginning to falter. He alluded to ongoing military actions in Gaza as a significant factor contributing to this shift.
The Prime Minister’s remarks underscored Israel’s resolve in confronting threats from various fronts while navigating the challenges posed by escalating attacks from neighboring regions.
The incidents involving drones and rocket alerts have exacerbated fears of a broader conflict, with the situation along Israel’s northern border becoming increasingly volatile.
The Israeli military remains on high alert, actively monitoring potential threats from Lebanon while also addressing the ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza.
The events of this morning mark a critical juncture, reflecting the complexities of managing multiple security challenges in the region.