Alarms sounded in the Haifa and Kiryat areas on Monday afternoon following an intense barrage of rockets fired from Lebanon, marking one of the heaviest attacks on northern Israel since the onset of the war. The IDF confirmed the detection of 90 rocket launches, with the majority intercepted by the Iron Dome missile defense system. Despite the interceptions, several rockets fell in populated areas, causing damage to property and resulting in casualties.
The rocket fire, which began around 3:40 p.m., was highly unusual in both its scale and intensity. According to the IDF, 80 of the launches crossed into Israeli airspace, with the remaining 10 detected shortly after in the Upper Galilee and Western Galilee regions. While most of the rockets were intercepted, several landed in open areas, and some caused damage and injuries.
Magen David Adom (MDA) paramedics rushed to multiple locations in the Haifa and Kiryat regions. They reported several people injured by shrapnel, with one major incident occurring in Kiryat Ata. A 17-year-old boy was lightly wounded by shrapnel near a bus stop, where extensive damage was caused to a nearby bus station and vehicles. Fortunately, there were no fatalities in this particular attack.
Casualties and Damage
The barrage caused damage to buildings, vehicles, and infrastructure. In Kiryat Ata, a private house sustained damage, while two vehicles caught fire, though no one was injured in those incidents. At least three individuals were taken to Rambam Hospital in Haifa for medical treatment: a 52-year-old man moderately injured by shrapnel in his back, a 17-year-old boy with a minor hand injury, and a 55-year-old man with light injuries sustained while seeking shelter.
The Fire Authority reported that multiple firefighting crews were dispatched to Kiryat Ata, Kiryat Bialik, Kiryat Yam, and Kiryat Motzkin, where several buildings were hit. Firefighters were actively searching for victims who may be trapped in the debris, though no additional casualties have been reported so far.
Power Outages and Continued Damage
In the aftermath of the rocket barrage, power outages were reported in Hazor HaGalilit and parts of Rosh Pina. This has further complicated efforts to assess the full extent of the damage. In Kiryat Bialik, two rocket impacts caused damage to residential buildings, but no casualties were reported. Mayor Eli Dokorski confirmed that a roof of one building was damaged but emphasized that there was no structural penetration.
Regional Tensions Escalate
The attack from Lebanon follows an increase in tensions along Israel’s northern border, with Hezbollah and other groups in Lebanon intensifying their rocket fire in recent days. Iranian officials have made public statements of support for Lebanon amid these escalating hostilities. Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bakr Kalibaf spoke with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, reaffirming Iran’s backing of Lebanon and its support for the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which calls for the cessation of hostilities along the Israel-Lebanon border.
Berri, who heads Lebanon’s Shia Amal Movement and represents Hezbollah in indirect talks with Israel, is a key figure in these discussions. Earlier today, Israel’s Foreign Minister, Gideon Sa’ar, confirmed that there has been progress in negotiations, but warned that enforcement of any agreement will be the primary obstacle to achieving a ceasefire.
Ongoing Threats and Security Measures
The ongoing barrage underscores the high level of uncertainty and danger in northern Israel. The IDF has bolstered security measures in the region, and residents have been urged to stay in shelters as more rocket fire is anticipated in the coming days. While the Iron Dome has proven effective in intercepting many of the incoming missiles, the scale of the attack today highlights the vulnerability of areas near the Lebanese border.
As Israel continues to brace for further escalation, military and political leaders are focused on addressing the challenges posed by Hezbollah and other militant groups in Lebanon. With no clear resolution in sight, the situation remains tense, and further attacks from Lebanon are expected.
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