Israel authorized a strike against the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah on Sunday after a rocket attack from Lebanon struck a soccer field in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights, killing 12 children and teenagers and wounding at least 44.
Officials in the Middle East and the US tried to reduce the escalating tension.
The attacks are raising fears of a possible war between Israel and Hezbollah. PM Netanyahu, just back from his visit to the US, condemned the attack as the “most serious targeting” of civilians since the October 7 Hamas assault.
Following an emergency security cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his defense minister were given the authority to decide on the response. The Israeli military has struck several targets in Lebanon following the go-ahead for retaliation.
While Israel and America accuse Iran-backed Hezbollah of the attack, the group denies involvement.
Meanwhile, Lebanon’s Middle East Airlines has delayed flights amid fears of further strikes.