Fires Blaze in Northern Israel After Direct Rocket Hit

In the early hours of Wednesday, just after midnight, five locations in Lebanon’s Beqaa Valley were struck, including Nabi Sheet, Budai, Tariyeh, and Al-Nasiriyah. Reports indicated casualties in Baalbek following these attacks.

In the morning hours of the day, the Upper Galilee Regional Council, based on the IDF’s assessment, issued a directive to residents in several settlements, including Yosod HaMa’ale, Holta, Eilat Hashahar, Mishmar Jordan, Gadot, Kfar Hanasi, Katzrin, Kadmat Zvi, Ortal, Sha’al, Kela Alon, and Ramat Trump. Residents were advised to limit movement, avoid gatherings, and 

Later in the morning, Katzrin in the Golan Heights experienced a heavy barrage of 40-50 rockets. Two direct impacts were reported: one on a house and another on a building. A 30-year-old man sustained shrapnel injuries and is reported to be in mild condition.

In response to the rocket barrage, firefighters from the Galilee-Golan station worked to extinguish fires, search for additional casualties, and manage LPG leaks caused by the impacts.

Hezbollah claimed responsibility for the rocket barrage, stating it was in retaliation for the IDF’s strikes in the Beqaa Valley. They asserted that their rockets targeted the Tzanover Base in the Golan Heights. However, IDF spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari refuted this claim, clarifying that the rockets were aimed at Katzrin, a civilian area, and vowed that Israel would respond accordingly.

Later in the day, Lebanese media reported an Israeli drone strike on a vehicle in the Mieh Mieh Palestinian refugee camp near Sidon. The strike reportedly killed Khalil al-Maqdah, a Palestinian operative and the brother of senior Fatah official Luay al-Maqdah.

Syrian President Bashar al-Assad reportedly sent a message to Iran earlier in the week expressing his reluctance to be drawn into a conflict with Israel. This message, confirmed by various sources including the Wall Street Journal, reflects Assad’s desire to avoid escalating tensions with Israel. Syrian state television’s omission of recent speeches by Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah further fueled speculation about Syria’s shifting stance. These developments suggest that Syria may be trying to distance itself from Hezbollah’s aggressive actions and manage its relationship with Iran cautiously.

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced that Israel’s strategic focus is shifting from the Gaza Strip to the northern front as the country prepares for a potential major escalation with Hezbollah in Lebanon. Gallant stated, “Our center of gravity is moving from south to north,” during a visit to the 36th Division in northern Israel. While acknowledging ongoing challenges in the south, particularly regarding hostages still held in Gaza, he expressed optimism about the negotiations to secure their release. Gallant emphasized Israel’s readiness to ensure the safe return of displaced northern residents and warned that while the country is open to peaceful resolutions, it remains prepared to take necessary actions if required.