Israel Vows Iran Will ‘Pay’ For Hezbollah Attack On Netanyahu Home; Tehran Distances Itself

Israeli leaders issued stern warnings toward Iran following a drone attack by Hezbollah, the Lebanese group backed by Tehran, which targeted Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu’s home. While Iran sought to minimize its involvement, the Israeli government made it clear that Tehran would be held accountable for any aggression linked to its proxy.

The attack, which occurred early Shabbos morning, involved three drones launched from Lebanon. Two of the drones were intercepted over Israeli towns Rosh Hanikra and Nahariya, while the third struck a building in Caesarea, a coastal town known for its luxury villas and ancient Roman ruins. Netanyahu and his wife were not home at the time of the attack.

Axios reported that the drone successfully hit Netanyahu’s residence, marking the first direct assault on a site associated with the prime minister since the war’s outset. The Guardian also confirmed the strike, describing the damage as superficial. Following the attack, property tax officials and a gardener were seen at Netanyahu’s home, as reported by the Kan public broadcaster.

Initially confirming the strike, Netanyahu later described it as a failed assassination attempt. “The agents of Iran who tried to assassinate me and my wife today made a bitter mistake,” he stated, further emphasizing that this action would not deter Israel from its goals. His sentiment was echoed by his ministers and lawmakers, both in Israel and abroad, with many underscoring that Iran and Hezbollah would face consequences.

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant called the attack an assault on “the State of Israel and its government symbols.” He stressed Israel’s determination to continue its military operations, citing successful strikes against Hamas and Hezbollah. “We will continue to attack any terrorist actors and will strike with force any enemy that harmed or tries to harm the State of Israel,” Gallant declared, reinforcing Israel’s commitment to achieving its war objectives despite Hezbollah’s efforts to undermine them.

Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana criticized Iran for using Hezbollah to target the prime minister. He pointed out that Israel’s strikes against terror leaders were well-known, but targeting a democratically elected prime minister crossed a line. “Doing so was a big mistake and they will pay a price,” Ohana warned, adding that Iran would regret its actions.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir voiced his full support for Netanyahu, calling for complete victory in Gaza, Lebanon, and the West Bank. Meanwhile, Miki Zohar, a member of Netanyahu’s Likud party, accused Hezbollah’s Iranian sponsors of “crossing a red line” and suggested that the Iranian regime’s end was imminent.

Despite the accusations, Iran sought to distance itself from the attack. Its UN mission issued a statement asserting that Hezbollah acted independently, a claim rejected by Israel. Foreign Minister Israel Katz refuted the statement, saying, “The primary proxy, the tentacle Iran created, funded, armed, trained, and now controls in all its operations, is suddenly portrayed as an independent entity.”

Opposition lawmaker Avigdor Liberman demanded that democratic nations condemn the attack on Netanyahu, calling it further evidence of Iran’s goal to destroy Israel. Liberman urged the Israeli government to target Iran’s strategic facilities and political elites in retaliation.

The attack on Netanyahu’s residence has prompted speculation about Israel’s future retaliation. Channel 12 news suggested that the strike could legitimize Israel’s targeting of broader Iranian assets, especially after Tehran’s missile barrage on October 1.

In response to the attack, IDF spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari focused on Hezbollah’s involvement, warning that fighting with the group would intensify. He confirmed the drone infiltration but emphasized that the situation was under investigation. “We are fighting Hezbollah with determination. Because of this attempt, and the harm to Israeli civilians, the fighting will only intensify,” Hagari stated.

International reactions included messages of concern from the U.S. and the U.K. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin expressed relief that Netanyahu was unharmed, while British Prime Minister Keir Starmer condemned the attack on Netanyahu’s home, offering his support.

{Matzav.com Israel}