Hezbollah Strikes Deep Into Israel, Haifa Suffers Largest Attack Since 2006

Hezbollah launched a significant rocket barrage on Haifa early Sunday, marking the deepest strike into Israel since 2006. This escalation comes after Israeli airstrikes in Beirut killed several Hezbollah operatives and civilians earlier in the week. The attack has left Haifa in chaos, with Israeli forces struggling to defend against the onslaught.

In the early morning hours, Hezbollah fired over 150 rockets, with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirming that most were intercepted. However, several rockets made it through, hitting residential areas in Haifa and surrounding towns. One teenager tragically died while fleeing as air raid sirens blared, and at least three others were injured from rocket debris. Videos and images from the scene show buildings severely damaged, with one Haifa resident calling it “a miracle” that she survived after taking cover in her home’s safe room.

Hezbollah’s official statement claimed responsibility for the attacks, stating they targeted key military installations in retaliation for Israel’s “brutal massacre” in Lebanon. The group said they hit the Rafael Company, a defense contractor in northern Haifa, and the Ramat David Military Airport, which houses Israeli fighter jets. The attack represents Hezbollah’s longest-range strike since the ongoing conflict began in October 2023.

In addition to the rocket strikes, Israeli air defenses intercepted two cruise missiles and two drones fired from Iraq, which is seen as a sign of coordination between Hezbollah and Iran-linked Iraqi paramilitary groups. Israeli authorities have since ordered the closure of all schools in northern Israel and banned public gatherings as thousands remain evacuated.

Israeli forces have retaliated by ramping up operations in southern Lebanon, but the escalation has many fearing that this conflict could drag on for months, if not longer. The IDF said they are committed to restoring safety in northern Israel, but residents like Zehava Sofer, whose home was hit, expressed frustration. “We can’t live like this anymore,” she said, reflecting the growing concerns of Israeli citizens.