What happened
A Hezbollah drone exploded on Monday, causing widespread panic and fear at a horse farm in Merom Golan, a kibbutz situated in the western Golan Heights. Although no sirens were activated to warn of the impending attack, a fire broke out at the farm. The local emergency response team swiftly handled the situation, ensuring the fire did not spread. Unfortunately, two horses sustained injuries from the shrapnel, but no human casualties were reported.
Why it matters
This incident underscores the ongoing threats faced by Israel from Hezbollah and other militant groups. The drone explosion not only endangered lives, especially those of innocents like children, but also inflicted suffering on animals, highlighting the indiscriminate nature of such attacks. The event serves as a powerful reminder of the hostile environment that northern Israel remains exposed to, necessitating increased vigilance and security measures.
What they’re saying
Mozi Anidjar, a member of the kibbutz, described the scene, saying, “I was in my food truck when I heard the boom. I immediately drove to the stable to see if any help was needed for the injured, heaven forbid. A major disaster was avoided; if it had fallen 20 yards closer to the stable, it would have been catastrophic on a similar scale to the Majdal Shams incident.” It is noteworthy that a children’s lesson was taking place just 20 meters away from the explosion. No sirens were activated to alert the community, highlighting a weakness in preparedness.
The horse trainer and riding instructor reported seeing the drone just before impact: “It just dropped and fell. The children are okay, just a bit in shock.” Michal Laufer, who had recently relocated to Merom Golan from Kibbutz Dan in the Upper Galilee, also shared her experience: “We sent our son to the center and came here to pack up the apartment we rented. I heard a loud explosion while at a hotel. The explosion was about a hundred yards from me, and I’m still shaking.”
Zoom in
This event highlights the necessity for stronger and more effective defense and alert systems in civilian areas susceptible to terrorist attacks. It also calls for a heightened military presence to deter future drone incursions, thereby safeguarding Israeli lives and properties.
Between the lines
Questions remain about why no sirens were activated during this potentially disastrous incident. Ensuring such failures do not happen again requires a systematic review and upgrade of Israel’s alert and defense mechanisms. Meanwhile, the incident has set the community on edge, underscoring the periodic reality of life under threat in this region.
This story was first published on ynetnews.com.