Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday night vowed to respond to Hezbollah’s deadly rocket strike on the northern Golan Heights earlier in the day, saying the “horrific” attack would not “pass in silence.”
“Citizens of Israel, like you, I was shocked to see the horrific photos in the wake of Hezbollah’s murderous attack in Majdal Shams. Among those who were murdered are young children who were playing soccer, and others,” said Netanyahu.
“All of our hearts are broken over these sights. We embrace the families and the entire Druze community in its difficult hour, which is also our difficult hour,” he added.
“I can say that the State of Israel will not let this pass in silence,” said the premier.
Twelve children and youths were killed, and dozens more were wounded, when a Hezbollah heavy rocket hit near a soccer field in the Israeli Druze town on Saturday evening.
More than 30 wounded were evacuated to hospital by Magen David Adom first responders and military helicopters.
Netanyahu held a series of security consultations throughout the night and moved up his return flight from the U.S. following the incident. He was set to convene the Security Cabinet upon his arrival later Sunday.
The prime minister on Saturday night phoned Israeli Druze leader Sheikh Mowafaq Tarif to express his “deep outrage” over the murder of innocent civilians, according to a statement from Jerusalem.
The premier “conveyed heartfelt condolences on behalf of the entire people of Israel to the families of those who were murdered and to the entire Druze community.
He added, “Israel will not overlook this murderous attack and that Hezbollah will pay a heavy price which it has not paid up to now.”
