Hezbollah drone strike kills four IDF soldiers as US prepares to deploy missile defense system in Israel

A Hezbollah-orchestrated drone attack on an Israeli military base near Binyamina resulted in the deaths of four IDF soldiers

A Hezbollah-orchestrated drone attack on an Israeli military base near Binyamina resulted in the deaths of four Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers and left seven others critically injured, marking a significant escalation in hostilities between the militant group and Israel. This incident, which occurred on Sunday, October 13, 2024, is considered Hezbollah’s deadliest attack since Israel began its ground invasion of Lebanon nearly two weeks ago. The Israeli military confirmed the number of casualties and said a total of 61 people were injured in the attack.

Hezbollah reacted clearly to the incident, describing the drone strike as retaliation for Israeli airstrikes on Beirut that killed 22 people a few days earlier. The group targeted Israel’s elite Golani Brigade and used an extensive missile arsenal to distract and occupy Israel’s air defense systems during the drone strike.

Increased US military involvement

The drone strike comes amid increased military engagement by the United States, which has announced plans to send a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense (THAAD) missile defense battery to Israel along with about 100 US troops. This deployment aims to improve Israel’s defense capabilities and respond to ongoing threats from Iranian-backed groups in the region. President Joe Biden justified the decision by saying it was necessary to “defend Israel” amid tensions caused by Iran’s missile attacks against Israel earlier this month.

Pentagon spokesman Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder described the THAAD deployment as part of a broader U.S. military adjustment to support Israel and protect American personnel from possible attacks. However, officials did not announce a specific timeline for the missile system’s arrival in Israel, nor did Israeli military officials provide details of the deployment plan.

Hezbollah threats and international responses

After the attack, Hezbollah reiterated its stance and threatened further action against Israel if the military offensive in Lebanon continued. In a statement, the group described the Binyamina operation as a “complex” mission involving simultaneous missile launches aimed at distracting Israel’s defenses while multiple drone squadrons targeted the base.

The international community responded to the escalating violence. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the attacks, which endangered peacekeepers in the region, stressing that attacks on UN personnel constituted violations of international law. He urged that peacekeepers should not be targeted during the conflict.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the UN Secretary-General in a video statement, stressing the need for the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) to withdraw from Hezbollah-controlled areas and emphasizing the need to protect Israeli forces .

Ongoing violence in the region

The ongoing conflict has also had a significant impact on Gaza, where Israeli airstrikes resulted in the deaths of at least 20 people, including children, at a school for displaced Palestinians in Nuseirat. While violence escalates in both Lebanon and Gaza, the situation remains precarious. The international community is calling for restraint, fearing further casualties and destabilization in the region.