Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is cutting short a visit to the United States and returning to Israel after a missile attack on a soccer field on Israel’s northern border killed 11 children and young people and injured 20, Israeli officials said.
Israel blamed Hezbollah for the attack but the Lebanon-based, Iranian-backed terror group has denied any responsibility, with Hezbollah spokesman Mohammed Afif telling The Associated Press that the group “categorically denies the attack on Majdal Shams.”
“Like you, I was shocked. I was shocked to see the horrific pictures following Hezbollah’s murderous attack on Majdal Shams,” Netanyahu said. Posted in X. “Since receiving news of the disaster, I have been holding ongoing security consultations and have decided to expedite my return to Israel. Upon my arrival, I will immediately participate in a security cabinet meeting.”
Netanyahu was due to return to Israel on Saturday.
Israeli military spokesman Maj. Gen. Daniel Hagari said the attack was the worst against Israeli civilians since October 7.
“Athletes from all over the world #Olympics2024The Israel Defense Forces warned that “Hezbollah is killing Israel’s next generation of athletes.” Posted in X. “A Hezbollah rocket landed on a soccer field in the Druze village of Majdal Shams in the Golan Heights, killing 11 people and wounding dozens, murdering in cold blood a group of children enjoying one of life’s simple pleasures.”
Netanyahu warned that Hezbollah “will pay a heavy price for this attack that it has never paid before.”
The White House’s National Security Council also condemned the attack, saying, “The United States will continue to support efforts to end the horrific attacks along the Blue Line, which must be a top priority. U.S. support for Israel’s security is ironclad and unwavering against all Iranian-backed terrorist organizations, including Lebanon’s Hezbollah.”
The attack followed cross-border violence early on Saturday in which Hezbollah said three of its fighters were killed, without disclosing the location.
Israel and Hezbollah have been at odds since October 8, with tensions rising in recent weeks.
Prime Minister Netanyahu visited the East Coast this week, meeting with President Biden and Vice President Harris in Washington, DC, addressed a joint session of Congress, and met with former President Trump in Florida, meeting with most of the top U.S. government officials.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
