Hamas targets Netanyahus home: A drone was launched from Lebanon and exploded near the private residence of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the northern town of Caesarea on Saturday. According to Reuters, the Israeli Prime Ministers spokesperson confirmed the attack, though Netanyahu and his wife were not at home at the time. The attack took place just two days after Israeli forces eliminated Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar in Gaza.Multiple drones fired from Lebanon, video surfacesTwo additional drones launched from Lebanon were intercepted by Israeli air defenses, causing sirens to sound in the Tel Aviv area. However, a third drone managed to hit a building in Caesarea, resulting in a loud explosion. Reports from the Saudi outlet Al-Hadath indicated that part of the building was damaged, but no casualties were reported. Israeli media revealed that the drone traveled roughly 70 kilometers from Lebanon before striking the Caesarea building.⚡️In front of the house targeted by the Lebanese Resistance drone in Caesarea, confirmed to be the residence of Benjamin Netanyahu.It is not yet confirmed if he was at home. pic.twitter.com/8wHCeiFD8r— Lou Rage (@lifepeptides) October 19, 2024The drone flew right next to an Israeli helicopter pic.twitter.com/ts7VvOVrwS— Megatron (@Megatron_ron) October 19, 2024Retaliation after Hamas chiefs killingThe drone attack follows the killing of Yahya Sinwar, the mastermind behind the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack on Israel, which triggered the current Gaza conflict. Sinwar had been the target of an extensive, year-long manhunt before Israeli forces tracked and eliminated him. Israel also released footage of Sinwars last moments, where he is seen flinging a stick toward an Israeli drone before being fatally struck.Hamas and Iran respondDespite the death of its leader, Hamas has vowed to continue its fight. Khalil al-Hayya, Sinwars deputy, stated that Hamas would emerge stronger than ever, even as Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu referred to Sinwars death as a significant step in weakening Hamass influence.Iran, a key backer of Hamas, also expressed support. Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei described Sinwars death as a painful loss but reaffirmed that the “Axis of Resistance,” comprising Iran-backed militias in Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Gaza, would continue its fight. Khamenei emphasized, “Hamas is alive and will remain alive,” signaling Tehrans continued backing of Hamas.Rising concerns of escalationThe drone strike near Netanyahus residence, coupled with the killing of Sinwar, has sparked fears of a broader regional conflict. With tensions rising between Israel and Iran-backed militias, there are growing concerns of an all-out war between Israel and Iranian proxies across the Middle East.
