Why Hezbollah and Israel haven't plunged into all-out war
NPR Online NewsDec 31, 2023
Israel-Hezbollah Tensions Flare as West Urges Restraint
Above: Mourners attend a funeral held for 10 of the victims of yesterday's rocket attack on July 28, 2024 in Majdal Shams, Golan Heights. Image copyright: Amir Levy/Stringer/Getty Images News via Getty Images
The Facts
A missile attack on a soccer field in the Golan Heights on Saturday killed at least 12 children and teens, escalating tensions on the Lebanese border. Israel and the US blamed Hezbollah for the strike on the Druze town, prompting the US to talk with Israel and Lebanon to de-escalate the situation.
Israeli Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari stated that Saturday's attack was the most severe against Israel since Hamas' attack on October 7. The attack left twenty others injured. In response, the Israeli military launched attacks on Hezbollah targets "deep inside Lebanese territory."
The Spin
Pro-Israel narrative
The barbaric attack on innocent youth on a soccer field on Saturday will not go unpunished. Despite its ludicrous claims, Iran's proxy in the region, Hezbollah, is obviously responsible. They fired the rocket, and they will face the full consequences of their actions. There is a major price to pay.
Pro-Iran narrative
Unlike Israel, Hezbollah does not target civilians. Hezbollah only hits Israeli military targets in the occupied Golan Heights. What struck the football pitch on Saturday was most likely an Israeli anti-rocket interceptor projectile. Israel is clearly trying to deflect attention from its genocide of Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.