A drone launched from Lebanon detonated near the private residence of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Caesarea, located in southern Haifa, on Saturday, as reported by Reuters. According to the Prime Minister’s spokesperson, both Netanyahu and his wife were not at home during the incident, which occurred just two days after Israeli forces eliminated Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar in Gaza.
Additionally, two other drones launched from Lebanon were intercepted by air defense systems, which activated sirens in the Tel Aviv region. However, the third drone successfully struck a building in Caesarea, resulting in a significant explosion.
The Saudi news outlet Al-Hadath reported that part of the building sustained damage due to the drone strike, although no casualties were reported.
Israeli media indicated that the drone traveled approximately 70 kilometers from Lebanon before impacting the structure in Caesarea.
This attack follows the recent killing of Yahya Sinwar, who was instrumental in orchestrating Hamas’s assault on Israel on October 7, 2023, which ignited the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Israeli authorities also released footage capturing Sinwar’s final moments, where he is seen attempting to strike an Israeli drone with a stick before his death.
In response, Hamas has pledged to continue its resistance despite international calls for an immediate ceasefire. Khalil al-Hayya, Sinwar’s deputy, asserted that Hamas would emerge even stronger following the loss of its leader, while Netanyahu described the event as a significant milestone in the diminishing influence of Hamas.
Hamas, which receives support from Iran, has also garnered backing from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Khamenei remarked that Sinwar’s death would not hinder the “Axis of Resistance,” a term referring to Iran-aligned militias in Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Gaza. He stated, “His (Sinwar) loss is undoubtedly painful for the Axis of Resistance, but this front did not stop advancing with the martyrdom of prominent figures… Hamas is alive and will remain alive.”
The death of Sinwar, coupled with the drone attack near Netanyahu’s residence, has heightened fears of a rapid escalation into a full-scale war between Israel and Hamas.
