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.