On Sunday evening, Palestinian journalist Mohammed Khairy reported that Hezbollah launched an advanced drone that struck Bennyamina, located south of Haifa. He emphasized that there is a significant media blackout in Israel regarding the targeted location.
Details of the Attack
In an interview with Al Jazeera, Khairy noted that various Israeli groups circulated images related to the attack. These images showed dining halls used by Israeli soldiers, where blood was visible on the floors. Furthermore, an Israeli website named “Kikar Hashabbat” quoted eyewitnesses and security sources. They claimed that the drone flew at a low altitude, fired a missile at the target, and exploded upon impact.
Unusual Media Silence
Israeli media reports indicate that the drone hit “somewhere,” but they did not disclose specific details. This lack of information is, indeed, unusual compared to their typical news coverage, as Khairy described. Additionally, several online platforms shared images of Israeli soldiers assisting in the evacuation of the wounded. This raised questions about how quickly they reached the unpopulated area between Bennyamina and the Wadi Ara region. Eyewitnesses mentioned that the incident occurred in a private location, and officials appeared reluctant to share details despite the circulating images.
Hezbollah’s Evolving Tactics
In light of this event, Israeli sources suggest that Hezbollah drones now follow established paths. The group studied Israeli air defense systems, which enables its drones to bypass surveillance devices effectively. Moreover, media reports indicated that the drone’s presence contradicts statements made by Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant. Earlier on Sunday, Galant claimed that “Hezbollah now possesses less than a third of the missiles and shells it once had,” following the destruction of many assets through airstrikes.
Casualties from the Attack
Consequently, the double attack involving drones and missiles resulted in the deaths of three Israelis and injuries to 67 others. Notably, this incident is the deadliest since the onset of the conflict. A Hezbollah leader stated that they executed the Bennyamina operation using a swarm of kamikaze drones. He emphasized that the resistance remains robust and can reach deep into Israeli territory. In addition, Hezbollah confirmed that it launched these drones at a training camp for the Golani Brigade in retaliation for Israeli attacks on the al-Nawari and al-Basta neighborhoods in Beirut and other areas of Lebanon.
