Hezbollah Barrage Against Israeli City Kills One

Latest Developments

Hezbollah targeted the northern Israeli city of Kiryat Shmona with a barrage of 30 rockets on March 27. The attack killed Zahar Bashara, a 25-year-old resident of the Druze town of Ein Qiniyye, according to the Israeli news site Ynet. Israel’s medical service Magen David Adom (MDA) reported that Bashara “was found with no signs of life and was pronounced dead after being rescued from the building that suffered a direct hit.” The attack wounded two others.

Israel evacuated Kiryat Shmona in October due to Hezbollah’s rocket, drone, and anti-tank missile attacks that began the day after Hamas’s October 7 massacre in southern Israel. The latest barrage on Kiryat Shmona came a day after Hezbollah also attacked a military base on Mount Meron, prompting Israel to respond with airstrikes deep inside Lebanon.

Expert Analysis

“Hezbollah’s deadly attacks on northern Israel present a growing threat to Israel and the Middle East. The Iranian-backed terrorist group’s latest attack targeted civilians in Kiryat Shmona. Hezbollah’s attacks must cease, the terrorist group must be deterred from further attacks, and Israel must be supported in its effort to have Hezbollah removed from the border.” — Seth J. Frantzman, FDD Adjunct Fellow

“The murder of a Druze resident highlights Hezbollah’s blatant disregard for the value of civilian lives, regardless of their religious or cultural background. This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder that Hezbollah’s actions have the potential to widen the conflict and endanger innocent lives on both sides.” — Joe Truzman, Senior Research Analyst at FDD’s Long War Journal

Daily Attacks by Hezbollah

Hezbollah continues to carry out daily attacks on Israel. Hezbollah fired projectiles at Shlomi in northern Israel overnight between March 25 and March 26. In response, the IDF struck two buildings used by the terrorist group in Tayr Harfa and Dhayra in southern Lebanon. In another incident on March 25, terrorists in Lebanon fired 15 rockets at the northern Israeli community of Manara. Hezbollah has frequently targeted Manara since October, damaging dozens of homes in the community. Another attack from Lebanon on March 25 caused sirens to sound in Rosh Hanikra, a border community in northern Israel.

Related Analysis

“Israel Hits Hezbollah Deep in Lebanon,” FDD Flash Brief

“IDF: Hezbollah Stores Weapons in Lebanese Civilian Areas,” FDD Flash Brief

“Hezbollah Attack on Northern Israel Kills One, Injures Nine,” FDD Flash Brief