Netanyahu vows Hezbollah will pay 'heavy price' after missile attack on Majdal Shams

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, following the Hezbollah rocket attack on Majdal Shams on Saturday, promised Israeli citizens that the government would “not let this pass in silence.”

The missile attack struck a soccer field on Saturday. At least 12 children were confirmed killed in the attack, with many more injured.

“Citizens of Israel, like you, I was shocked to see the horrific photos in the wake of Hezbollah's murderous attack in Majdal Shams,” Netanyahu said in a statement from the United States. 

“Among those who were murdered are young children who were playing soccer, and others. All of our hearts are broken over these sights,” he added. “We embrace the families and the entire Druze community in its difficult hour, which is also our difficult hour.”

The prime minister reportedly spoke with the spiritual leader of Israel’s Druze community, Sheikh Mowafaq Tarif.

“Prime Minister Netanyahu made clear that Israel will not allow the murderous attack to simply pass on by, and that Hezbollah will pay a heavy price for this that it has not paid until this point,” according to a statement from Netanyahu's office.

After learning of the attack, he ordered his return flight to Israel to be moved forward by several hours, breaking tradition as Israeli prime ministers and presidents typically do not fly on Shabbat. 

“Since I was updated about the disaster, I have been holding continuous security consultations and I have directed that our return to Israel be brought forward,” Netanyahu announced. “As soon as I arrive, I will immediately convene the Security Cabinet. I can say that the State of Israel will not let this pass in silence. We will not overlook this.” 

Netanyahu is expected to land in Israel early on Sunday afternoon, where he will meet with his Security Cabinet. 

Shortly after the Hezbollah attack, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant held a security briefing with military and security leaders, including IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, Shin Bet Director Ronen Bar, and Mossad Chief David Barnea, to discuss Israel’s options for “action against Hezbollah.” 

We mourn the innocent boys and girls killed in Majdal Shams.

There are 150,000 Druze in Israel, as well as millions of Jews and Arab Israelis. We live side by side and all suffer from Hezbollah's terror.

We will ensure Hezbollah, the proxy of Iran, pays a price for this loss.

— יואב גלנט - Yoav Gallant (@yoavgallant) July 28, 2024

Early Sunday morning, the Israeli Air Force struck several Hezbollah sites in southern Lebanon and deeper within Lebanon, including near Tyre. 

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz stated, “We are approaching the moment of an all-out war against Hezbollah.” 

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir said that the attack proves that Israel is already at war with Hezbollah. 

“Since October 8th, I have said that we are in a state of war in the north and the enemy needs to be defeated,” Ben Gvir said. “Today, no one, in any forum, including the defense minister who strove only for containment against Hezbollah, can avoid the bloody reality – we are at war.” 

Knesset Member Benny Gantz, previously a member of the now-disbanded Israeli War Cabinet, said, "We have an operative and strategic duty to return the security to the North and the people to their homes.” 

“What happened here is a very serious incident. It is Hezbollah's fault and the Lebanese government's responsibility," he added.