Hezbollah Launches Fresh Barrage of Rocket Attacks Deep Into Northern Israel

Latest Developments

Stung by a succession of Israeli attacks on its top commanders and fighters over the past week, Hezbollah launched several barrages of rockets at Israel on September 22 that targeted cities and towns near Haifa and an Israel Defense Forces (IDF) air base. The Iranian-backed terrorist group escalated its aggression after the IDF eliminated Hezbollah commander Ibrahim Aqil and at least 15 commanders of Hezbollah’s Radwan force on September 20.

Hezbollah rockets set off alarms in cities along the northern coast of Israel from Haifa to Nahariya, and also in areas east of Haifa, marking the longest-range rocket fire Hezbollah has conducted since it renewed attacking Israel on October 8, 2023. Hezbollah claimed credit for the attacks, saying it had used long-range Fadi type missiles.

Israel’s Ynet reported that a Hezbollah rocket “struck a two-story residential building and several cars in Kiryat Bialik in one of the attacks, causing extensive damage. Three people were injured from shrapnel in the attack—a man in his seventies who was moderately wounded and another two who sustained light injuries, including a 16-year-old girl. Several others suffered from shock.”

Separately, the IDF intercepted two cruise missiles and several rockets launched from Iraq towards the southern Golan Heights on September 22. The targets did not cross into Israeli territory, and sirens were activated as per protocol, the IDF stated.

Expert Analysis

“Alongside the Hezbollah rockets and drones are the threats from Iranian-backed militias in Iraq, including cruise missiles. Israel faces an Iranian-directed northern front, and not just Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.” — Richard Goldberg, FDD Senior Advisor

“Hezbollah has escalated its attacks, increasing the range of its rocket fire to target cities and towns across northern Israel. Hezbollah’s use of longer range missiles underscores the threat it poses to Israel and the region. The Iranian-backed terrorist organization has spent decades stockpiling a massive arsenal it is now using to terrorize civilians in northern Israel.” — Seth J. Frantzman, FDD Adjunct Fellow

Israel Protects Home Front and Prepares For Additional Hezbollah Attacks

Israel’s air defense array have successfully intercepted many of the Hezbollah rockets that targeted cities and towns east of Haifa. “With high interception rates, the multi-layered aerial defense effort prevented significant damage to the home front. There were a small number of cases of hits and interception debris falling on the home front,” the IDF noted, adding that the Israeli Air Force “is ready in defense and attack.”

Responding to the attacks, the IDF Home Front Command issued new guidelines for communities in northern Israel on September 21. The restrictions limit the number of people who can attend large gatherings, such as weddings. Educational activities have also been restricted in many areas to protect children from anticipated Hezbollah attacks.

Related Analysis

“Top Hezbollah Commander and Radwan Force Leaders Eliminated in Israeli Air Strike on Beirut,” FDD Flash Brief

“15 Hezbollah Terrorists Killed with Aqil, Devastating Chain of Command,” FDD Flash Brief

“Hezbollah has Suffered ‘Major and Unprecedented Blow,’ Nasrallah Admits,” FDD Flash Brief