Drone launched from Lebanon explodes near Benjamin Netanyahu’s residence; Netanyahu & wife not present at the time of attack
According to Reuters, a drone that was launched from Lebanon detonated close to the private residence of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Caesarea in southern Haifa on Saturday. The spokesperson of the Prime Minister confirmed that Netanyahu and his wife were not at the scene during the attack, which occurred two days after Israel killed Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar in Gaza.
Air defences in the Tel Aviv area intercepted and destroyed two additional drones launched from Lebanon, which set off sirens. The third one hit a building in Caesarea, resulting in a loud explosion.
Saudi outlet Al-Hadath claimed a part of the building was damaged in the drone attack. However, no causalities were reported.
Also read: Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar, mastermind of October 7 attack, killed by Israel
Attack comes days after Hamas chief was eliminated by Israeli forces
Israeli media reported that the drone traveled approximately 70 kilometers from Lebanon before crashing into a building in Caesarea.
The attack took place days after Yahya Sinwar, who orchestrated Hamas’s October 7, 2023, strike against Israel that led to the Gaza conflict, was finally hunted down and killed by Israeli troops.
Israel also published a video showing Sinwar’s final moments, where the severely injured Hamas leader is seen throwing a stick at an Israeli drone before his death.
Despite international calls for an immediate ceasefire, Hamas has pledged to continue fighting. Khalil al-Hayya, who is Sinwar’s second-in-command, stated that Hamas would grow even more powerful despite their leader’s death, while Netanyahu described it as “important landmark in the decline of the evil rule of Hamas”.
Sinwar’s death would not halt the ‘Axis of Resistance’, says Khamanei
Hamas, supported by Iran, also received backing from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Khamenei stated that the death of Sinwar would not halt the “Axis of Resistance”, which includes Iran-supported groups in Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Gaza.
“Sinwar’s loss is undoubtedly painful for the Axis of Resistance, but this front did not stop advancing with the martyrdom of prominent figures… Hamas is alive and will remain alive,” Khamenei stated.
