Israel returns fire to Lebanon following deadly rocket strike on soccer field

THE HILL:  The Israeli military said it hit a number of Hezbollah targets inside Lebanon following a deadly rocket strike on a soccer field on Israel’s northern border that killed 11 children and teenagers and injured 20.

The Israeli Defense Forces said in a statement Sunday the Israeli air force struck “a series of Hezbollah terror targets both deep inside Lebanese territory and in southern Lebanon.” It said its targets included “weapons caches” and “terrorist infrastructure” in the areas of Chabriha, Borj El Chmali, Beqaa, Kfarkela, Rab El Thalathine, Khiam and Tayr Harfa.

The strike comes hours after Israel blamed the terrorist group Hezbollah for a deadly strike on a soccer field that killed and injured children and teenagers. The Iran-backed terrorist group based in Lebanon has denied any responsibility, with Hezbollah chief spokesman Mohammed Afif telling The Associated Press that the group “categorically denies carrying out an attack on Majdal Shams.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cut his trip to the U.S. short following the deadly attack, saying in a statement that Hezbollah will “pay a heavy price for this that it has not paid so far.”

“Like you, I was shocked. I was shocked to see the terrible pictures following the murderous attack by Hezbollah on Majdal Shams,” Netanyahu posted on X. “Since I was informed of the disaster, I have been holding continuous security consultations, and I have decided to bring forward our return to Israel. I will immediately enter the security cabinet upon my arrival.”

The attacks come as Israel has been exchanging fire with Hezbollah for months. Israel’s foreign minister warned last month of “all-out war” with Hezbollah after the Lebanese military and political group released what it said were videos of sensitive Israeli military sites and civilian areas.