Israel's security cabinet has empowered Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant to determine the response to a deadly rocket strike in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights that killed 12 teenagers and children. The attack, blamed on Hezbollah by Israel and the United States, has been denied by the Lebanese armed group.

Following the attack in Majdal Shams, Israel has vowed retaliation against Hezbollah, and Israeli jets targeted southern Lebanon on Sunday. The Israeli government stated that an Iranian-made missile, fired from southern Lebanon by Hezbollah, was responsible for the attack. U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris reaffirmed the U.S.'s unwavering support for Israel's security, while U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized that Washington seeks to avoid further escalation.

The rocket strike has escalated tensions, with concerns expressed by Britain and Egypt about a potential regional conflict. The Druze community in Majdal Shams held funerals for the victims, marking a significant tragedy for the village.

In response to the attack, Hezbollah announced it had fired rockets at Israeli military sites but denied involvement in the Majdal Shams strike. Israel, however, maintains that Hezbollah is responsible, as the group possesses Iranian-made rockets.

The ongoing conflict, exacerbated by Saturday’s strike, risks igniting a broader regional war. The United Nations has urged restraint, while Lebanon has requested U.S. intervention to urge Israel to exercise caution. Iran has warned Israel against any further military actions in Lebanon, and Syria has accused Israel of escalating the conflict.

The fighting has displaced tens of thousands in both Lebanon and Israel, with significant casualties reported. In Gaza, Israeli forces continue operations against Hamas, encountering fierce resistance and resulting in numerous Palestinian casualties. The head of the UN relief agency for Palestinians, Philippe Lazzarini, criticized the evacuation orders by the Israeli military, highlighting the immense suffering of displaced Palestinians.

As diplomatic efforts continue, including talks involving CIA Director William Burns, the situation remains tense. Hamas seeks a ceasefire, but Israel insists on defeating Hamas before ending the conflict. The ongoing hostilities, coupled with the recent rocket strike, have heightened fears of a broader, more devastating war.