A drone strike targeted an army base in northern Israel, resulting in the deaths of four soldiers and injuries to 58 others. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported the casualties, noting that seven soldiers suffered severe injuries. The attack occurred at a base near Binyamina, a town located approximately 20 miles south of Haifa.
Hezbollah claimed responsibility for the strike. The group stated it targeted a training camp for the IDF’s Golani Brigade, situated between Tel Aviv and Haifa. Hezbollah’s media office claimed the attack was in retaliation for recent Israeli assaults in southern Lebanon and Beirut.
The armed group employed a “swarm of drones” for the attack. This incident marks one of the most significant assaults on an Israeli position in over a year.
Casualty Details and Response
The Israeli ambulance service, Magen David Adom (MDA), reported that 61 people were injured in the drone strike, with three individuals in critical condition. MDA noted that 37 injured soldiers were transported to eight regional hospitals by ambulance or helicopter.
Before the IDF confirmed the fatalities, MDA provided initial casualty figures. Alongside the three critically injured, 18 soldiers sustained moderate injuries, 31 suffered mild injuries, and nine people experienced anxiety. The reason for the difference in reported critical injuries between MDA and the IDF remains unclear.
Israeli censorship rules initially restricted media outlets from reporting specifics about the targeted site until the IDF confirmed it was the Binyamina base. Reports suggested that the base may have been hit by a low-level drone launched from Lebanon. This type of weaponry appears to have bypassed early-warning alarms.
Emergency Response and Evacuations
Throughout the evening, news bulletins, social media updates, and online reports featured footage of emergency vehicles and helicopters transporting casualties to hospitals across northern Israel. Many wounded soldiers were evacuated to Hillel Yaffe Medical Centre in nearby Hadera. Others were taken to hospitals in Tel Hashomer, Haifa, Afula, and Netanya.
Details surrounding the attack are still emerging. Reports indicate that many injured soldiers were in a communal canteen when the drone strike occurred, catching them off guard. Images circulating on social media depict an empty mess hall with a gaping hole in the roof, illustrating the devastation caused by the attack.
Regional Tensions Escalate
The drone strike adds to the escalating tensions in the region. Hezbollah’s claims of responsibility indicate a significant response to Israeli military actions in Lebanon. The group’s actions reflect a broader conflict and a complex interplay of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah.
As the situation continues to develop, Israeli forces remain on high alert. Authorities are assessing the implications of this attack and potential responses. The incident underscores the volatile security environment in northern Israel and the challenges posed by cross-border engagements.
Live updates on this story will follow as new information becomes available. The Israeli government and military are expected to address the nation regarding the attack and its implications for ongoing security efforts in the region.
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