It turns on tension between Israel and Lebanon. On July 27, a rocket, allegedly fired by Hezbollah, hit a football field at Majdal Shams, a town located in the Golan Heights, killing 12 Druze-Israeli boys. At least 34 people were injured. A tragic event that risks triggering a new escalation of violence between the two countries.
Majdal Shams is one of the main locations in the Golan Heights, a disputed territory that Israel annexed in 1981. The Druze community, a ethnic and religious minority, lives in this area and has often played a complex role in regional dynamics. The attack targeted a group of young people playing football in aarea that is considered safe and protected, thus amplifying the scope of the tragedy.
The Israeli response was immediate
The Israeli response was not long in coming. Despite the Israeli Foreign Minister Katz had initially called for a “total war”, the position was subsequently moderated. Israel has promised a “tough response”, declaring that “this is an incident we will not gloss over” and that there will be a “severe response.” On the night following the attack, Israeli forces llaunched targeted air strikes against alleged Hezbollah sites in Lebanon.
Benjamin Netanyahu, prime minister of Israel, brought forward his return from the United States to attend an emergency meeting of the security cabinet. In an address to the nation, Netanyahu has condemned the attack as an act of terrorism and promised that those responsible would pay a high price. The Minister of Defence, Yoav Gallant, he added: “We will make sure that Hezbollah, supported by Iran, pays a price for this loss.”
The Lebanese government distances itself: "It's not Hezbollah's fault"
The Lebanese government has tried to distance yourself from the attack, arguing that it is unclear whether Hezbollah is actually involved. Abdullah Bu Habib, Lebanese Foreign Minister, told the BBC that it could be a mistake on the part of Hezbollah or another organisation. Bu Habib also asked for ainternational investigation to clarify the circumstances of the attack. Beirut's official position was that of avoid further escalation and to promote an impartial investigation through the UNIFIL tripartite committee, which includes representatives of Lebanon, Israel and UN peacekeepers.
“I came to the Northern Command to review the response plans, which concern Hezbollah, Iran's representative in the region. Hezbollah won't get away with it, not even with his ridiculous denials. They shot them, they will suffer the consequences and will pay a high price for their actions,” Gallant said during the operational evaluation meeting at the Northern Command.
Erdogan threatens: “Türkiye can invade Israel”
Meanwhile, wars are falling on Israel intimidation by Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The Turkish president has explicitly threatened to invade Israel in response to the ongoing military operation in Gaza. “We must be strong so that Israel cannot do this to the Palestinians. As we did in Karabakh, in Libya, we can do the same with them“, Erdogan said in a speech broadcast on television.
Although Erdogan has frequently criticized Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with harsh tones, this is the first time he expressed such an explicit threat of invasion.
In response, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz tweeted: “Erdogan appears to be following theexample of Saddam Hussein with threats of attack against Israel. He should remember how it ended for that dictator.”
Impact on negotiations
The attack and subsequent escalation had a also impact on negotiations ongoing regarding the Gaza Strip, which took place yesterday in Rome with the participation of senior officials such as the heads of the Mossad and the CIA, together with representatives of Egypt and Qatar. The tension between Israel and Lebanon will further complicate the situation and negatively influence the peace process.
The possibility of a new war between Israel and Hezbollah could have devastating consequences not only for the two countries involved but also for the region as a whole with the risk of a conflict on a larger scale, affecting the security and stability of the entire Middle East. Orient.