Netanyahu's Office Breaks Sabbath to Announce Hezbollah Attack and IDF Response

Following an unusual security incident, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office issued a statement in English during the Jewish Sabbath, an uncommon breach of Sabbath observance. The announcement came after a Hezbollah attack in southern Lebanon injured an IDF officer and two soldiers seriously due to an explosive drone strike. The injured soldiers were evacuated for medical treatment, and their families were informed.

The incident prompted the Prime Minister's office to release the statement in English on the Sabbath, likely aiming to secure American support for a strong Israeli response. Netanyahu addressed the event on Saturday night, stating that Hezbollah violated the ceasefire by attacking Israeli forces within the "blue line" security zone. He confirmed that the IDF retaliated by striking Hezbollah's terror headquarters, which Hezbollah allegedly used civilians as human shields to falsely accuse Israel of targeting civilians.

Netanyahu emphasized that the IDF operates under political directives to neutralize threats to Israeli soldiers and citizens both in Lebanon and Gaza. He wished a speedy recovery to the wounded soldiers and affirmed Israel's commitment to responding forcefully to any attacks on its forces. The English statement from Netanyahu's office described Hezbollah's attack as a breach of the ceasefire and detailed the IDF's retaliatory strike on the command center responsible for ordering the assault.

This rare Sabbath communication underscores the gravity of the security situation and Israel's intent to maintain deterrence while managing international diplomatic sensitivities, particularly with the United States.