Israel Intercepts Rockets Near Haifa

Latest Developments

Israel’s Iron Dome air defense system intercepted rockets near Israel’s northern city of Haifa on February 29, Israeli media reported. Rocket sirens were also heard near the city. “No damage or injuries were reported thus far,” a report noted. Sirens were also heard in four Israeli communities during three separate attacks from Lebanon. The Iran-backed terrorist group Hezbollah has escalated attacks over the last week, firing missiles at an IDF base on Mount Meron, targeting an Israeli drone with a surface-to-air missile, and attacking Israeli communities. The assaults come amid reports that Iran is prodding Hezbollah to increase attacks on Israel.

Expert Analysis

“Hezbollah is escalating attacks on Israel. The Iranian-backed terrorist group is taking advantage of the war in Gaza to target northern Israel with daily barrages of rockets. Iran is also pushing Hezbollah to increase its attacks. This comes as Israel and Hamas continue to conduct talks regarding a potential hostage deal. Hezbollah must be deterred from further attacks, and its threats to Israel’s northern border must cease.” — Seth J. Frantzman, FDD Adjunct Fellow

“The attack near one of Israel’s largest cities highlights the growing danger of the conflict Hezbollah initiated shortly after October 7. There should be no room for doubt that this tit-for-tat conflict is escalating, albeit gradually. Moreover, Hezbollah’s actions to support Hamas have so far been a flawed strategy, as Israel has continued to make gains in the Gaza Strip.” — Joe Truzman, Senior Research Analyst at FDD’s Long War Journal

Israeli Defense Minister Warns Hezbollah

In a conversation with U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said on February 28 that “the State of Israel will not tolerate threats against its citizens and violations of its sovereignty and will take the measures required to ensure their security.” Gallant also provided details to Austin about “ongoing attacks conducted by Hezbollah on Israel’s northern communities,” according to a statement from Gallant’s office. The call with Austin took place four days after Gallant visited Israel’s Northern Command base and said Israel would increase strikes on Hezbollah in response to its continued attacks.

Hamas Claims It Targeted Israel With Rocket Fire From Lebanon

Hamas claimed it fired rockets at Israel from Lebanon on February 28. Hamas claimed it had targeted an IDF base, although Israeli media reported that there were no reports of any impacts. In another incident, “sirens sounded in the northern city of Kiryat Shmona and nearby communities in the Upper Galilee region warning of consecutive rocket attacks over the span of a few minutes,” Ynet reported. Hamas has increasingly carried out attacks from Lebanon in the wake of its October 7 attack on Israel from Gaza. The terrorist group claimed attacks in October, November and December.

Related Analysis

“Hezbollah Shoots Down Israeli Drone With Surface-to-Air Missiles,” FDD Flash Brief

“Hezbollah Rockets Target IDF Base in Northern Israel,” FDD Flash Brief

“Israeli Airstrike Kills Two Hezbollah Terrorists, Including Senior Radwan Commander,” FDD Flash Brief