Hezbollah Cluster Bomb Suspected in Fatal Galilee Explosion During School Trip

A preliminary IDF investigation suggests a Hezbollah cluster bomb, left over from previous conflict, likely detonated during a school trip in the Upper Galilee, killing one student and injuring others. The incident occurred on Mount Ramim during a trip by students from the Orot Ma'alot high school. A significant concern being examined is the possibility that one of the students collected the munition and placed it in his backpack shortly before the explosion. The IDF stressed that the investigation is ongoing and that forces are continuing to search the area. The school informed parents that Rabbi Yaakov Weitzman, who was accompanying the students, was among the injured and is in need of prayers. The Police Commissioner, Danny Levi, stated he is considering temporarily halting or reducing school trips in the coming days to reassess student safety risks. He held a situation assessment at the scene with the Commander of the Northern District, Meir Eliyahu, and other officials, directing that the site be secured until investigations are complete. Medical updates indicate that Ziv Medical Center in Safed treated 13 injured students, two in serious condition, three moderate, and eight light. One serious case involves head and limb injuries requiring surgery. The Galilee Medical Center in Nahariya received six more casualties, with one in serious condition undergoing surgery, three moderate, and two light, all suffering from shrapnel and blast injuries. In total, Magen David Adom reported treating 24 fourteen-year-old students, one fatally, three seriously wounded, ten moderately, and ten lightly. Social services in Ma'alot Tarshiha are providing support to the affected families, and mental health support services have been established.