Netanyahu returns to Israel early following deadly rocket strike

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is cutting short his trip to the U.S. to return to Israel after a missile strike on a soccer field on Israel’s northern border killed 11 children and teens and injured 20, according to Israeli officials.

Israel has blamed Hezbollah for the strike, but the Iran-backed terrorist group based in Lebanon has denied any responsibility, with Hezbollah chief spokesman Mohammed Afif telling The Associated Press that the group “categorically denies carrying out an attack on Majdal Shams.”

“Like you, I was shocked. I was shocked to see the terrible pictures following the murderous attack by Hezbollah on Majdal Shams,” Netanyahu posted on X. “Since I was informed of the disaster, I have been holding continuous security consultations, and I have decided to bring forward our return to Israel. I will immediately enter the security cabinet upon my arrival.”

Israel’s chief military spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, said the strike is the deadliest attack on Israeli civilians since Oct. 7. 

"While athletes from around the world are competing at the #Olympics2024, Hezbollah is murdering the next generation of Israeli athletes," the Israeli Defense Force posted on X. "A group of children enjoying life’s simple pleasures was murdered in cold blood when a Hezbollah rocket hit the soccer field in the Druze village of Majdal Shams in the Golan Heights, killing 11 and injuring dozens more."

Netanyahu warned that Hezbollah “will pay a heavy price for this attack, one that it has not paid so far.” 

The White House National Security Council has also condemned the strike, saying that the U.S. “will continue to support efforts to end these terrible attacks along the Blue Line, which must be a top priority. Our support for Israel’s security is iron-clad and unwavering against all Iranian-backed terrorist groups, including Lebanese Hezbollah.”

The strike followed cross-border violence earlier on Saturday, and Hezbollah said three of its fighters were killed without specifying where.

Israel and Hezbollah have been increasingly at odds with each other since Oct. 8, and tensions have increased in recent weeks.

Netanyahu met with most senior members of the U.S. government during his visit to the East Coast this week, making stops in Washington, D.C., where he met with President Biden, Vice President Harris and addressed a joint session of Congress, and Florida, where he met with former President Trump.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.