Haifa is facing significant destruction after Hezbollah launched its largest rocket attack on the city since 2006. The assault, which took place early Sunday morning, is seen as retaliation for Israeli airstrikes in Beirut that killed several Hezbollah members and civilians earlier this week. The rocket barrage has further escalated tensions in the already volatile region.
Hezbollah fired approximately 150 rockets into northern Israel, with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) intercepting most of them. However, several rockets managed to hit Haifa and its suburbs, causing widespread damage in residential neighborhoods. One tragic incident involved a teenager who lost his life in a car crash while trying to escape as air raid sirens sounded. At least three other people were injured, and local hospitals are treating shrapnel wounds from the attacks.
In a statement, Hezbollah confirmed they targeted two key locations in northern Israel — the Rafael Company, a military contractor in Haifa, and Ramat David Military Airport, which houses Israeli fighter jets. Hezbollah’s actions are being viewed as a significant escalation, as the group has not fired rockets this far into Israel since the conflict began in October last year.
Israeli officials also reported that two cruise missiles and drones launched from Iraq were intercepted. This has raised concerns about increased coordination between Hezbollah and other Iranian-backed forces in the region. The IDF has responded with intensified operations against Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon.
With more than 80,000 residents evacuated from northern Israel, schools remain closed, and public gatherings have been banned. Many locals, like Zehava Sofer, are frustrated with the ongoing violence. Sofer’s home was hit by a Hezbollah rocket, but she managed to survive by taking shelter in a safe room. “We can’t live like this anymore,” she said, reflecting the growing tension and fear gripping the area.
