In a startling escalation of cross-border violence, the Israeli military confirmed a direct hit by a Hezbollah rocket on a house and car in the northern Israeli town of Safed on Friday evening, September 27, 2024. The strike marks a significant intensification of the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Lebanon-based militant group, raising fears of further civilian casualties and property damage in the region.
As dusk settled over the picturesque hilltop town of Safed, known for its artists’ colony and mystical atmosphere, the tranquility was shattered by the unmistakable sound of incoming rocket fire. At approximately 7:45 PM local time, residents were jolted by a loud explosion that reverberated through the narrow stone streets.
I was just sitting down to Shabbat dinner with my family when we heard the siren,” recounted Sarah Goldstein, a longtime Safed resident. “We barely made it to the shelter before the blast. It was terrifying.”
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) were quick to confirm the attack. In a statement to AFP, an IDF spokesperson said, “A direct hit from a Hezbollah rocket was identified in Safed.” The precision of the strike raised concerns about Hezbollah’s improving targeting capabilities.
Within minutes of the impact, Israel’s emergency medical service, Magen David Adom, dispatched teams to the scene. Paramedic Yossi Cohen described the situation upon arrival: “We were prepared for the worst, given the direct hit. Thankfully, our initial assessment showed no casualties, which is nothing short of miraculous given the extent of the damage.”
While the absence of injuries provided some relief, the material toll of the attack was significant. Israeli police reported “significant property damage” at the impact sites. Local authorities cordoned off several blocks surrounding the affected area as a precautionary measure.
Police officers and bomb disposal units are currently working to isolate the impact sites,” stated Police Chief Superintendent Eli Levy. We urge residents to remain in shelters and follow all security instructions until further notice.
Eyewitness accounts painted a vivid picture of the destruction. David Azoulay, whose home is adjacent to the strike location, described the scene: “It’s like a war zone. Windows are shattered for blocks, and there’s debris everywhere. The house that was hit… it’s barely standing.”
This latest attack comes amid heightened tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border. Just hours earlier, Israel had conducted air strikes on Hezbollah positions in southern Beirut, targeting what they claimed was the group’s central headquarters.
Dr. Yael Shapira, a Middle East analyst at Tel Aviv University, contextualized the attack: “This direct hit on Safed, deep inside Israeli territory, represents a significant escalation. It demonstrates Hezbollah’s willingness and ability to strike sensitive targets, potentially changing the calculus of this conflict.”
As news of the attack spread, the tight-knit community of Safed rallied together. Mayor Shuki Ohana announced the opening of emergency shelters and called for calm. “We are a strong community with a long history of perseverance,” he stated. “We will get through this together, as we always have.”
Local volunteers, like Rachel Levy, quickly organized to support affected families. We’re setting up a collection point for essentials – blankets, clothes, anything people might need,” she explained. “In times like these, we all
As night fell over Safed, the town remained on high alert. The IDF announced increased patrols and air defense readiness across the northern region, anticipating potential follow-up attacks.
This latest incident underscores the fragile security situation in northern Israel and the wider region. With both Israel and Hezbollah seemingly willing to escalate, residents of border communities on both sides face an uncertain and anxious future.
As the international community calls for restraint, the people of Safed, like many in the region, can only hope for a swift return to peace and normalcy.
