27 Jul 2024 | 07:57 PM UTC
Israel: Officials revise death toll from July 27 Majdal Shams rocket attack upward to 11 as risk of major conflict escalation spikes /update 1
Risk of major conflict escalation increases after death toll from July 27 rocket attack on Majdal Shams, Golan Heights, Israel, rises to 11.
Officials have revised the death toll from a rocket attack that hit a soccer field in the town of Majdal Shams in the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights upward to 11 as of late July 27. Around 30 other people were reportedly injured in the attack, which the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has attributed to the Lebanese Hizballah (LH) militant group. The risk of a major escalation in the conflict between the IDF and LH has greatly increased following the rocket strike, which was the deadliest attack on Israeli-controlled territory since fighting between the sides broke out in the immediate aftermath of the Hamas-led Oct. 7 assault on southern Israel.
Authorities will almost certainly maintain a heightened security presence around the impact site into at least early July 28. Transport and business disruptions are likely in the affected area.
Israeli forces will probably carry out retaliatory strikes on suspected LH targets in southern Lebanon over the coming hours; Israeli strikes may also target Iran-backed proxy forces, including those affiliated with the LH, in Syria. LH fighters will likely fire additional projectiles and/or drones toward Israeli targets in response to any significant Israeli retaliatory strikes.
Avoid the vicinity of the impact site until authorities have given the all-clear and vacated the area. If incoming fire is reported in the general vicinity, stay indoors and away from windows and exterior walls. If possible, move to the ground floor or basement. Heed the instructions of local security personnel. Maintain contact with your country's diplomatic mission.
The Majdal Shams rocket attack came amid a volley of projectiles fired from Lebanese territory toward Israeli-controlled territory on July 27. The cross-border fire was in apparent retaliation for recent Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon, one of which killed several militants, including at least one fighter from the LH.
Following the July 27 rocket attack on Majdal Shams, several Israeli ministers and members of the Knesset were calling for an escalation in the country's conflict with the LH, including Foreign Minister Israel Katz, Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. The IDF was reportedly preparing a response to the attack as of late July 27. LH officials, following conflicting reports regarding whether the group had claimed responsibility for the rocket attack, have alleged that the group did not have any role in the strike.
