What Happened

A Hezbollah drone exploded on Monday at a horse farm in the Israeli kibbutz of Merom Golan in the western Golan Heights. The explosion did not trigger any sirens, leaving the community unprepared for the sudden attack. Fortunately, no one was injured. However, the blast did ignite fires at the location and caused shrapnel injuries to two horses. Local emergency responders promptly tackled the fire.

Why It Matters

This attack highlights the ongoing threats Israel faces from Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed militant group based in Lebanon. The incident emphasizes the importance of constant vigilance and rapid response systems to ensure the safety and security of Israeli communities along the northern border.

Voices from Merom Golan

A Close Call

Mozi Anidjar, a member of the kibbutz, recounted the terrifying moment: “A children’s lesson was being conducted in the stables approximately 20 meters from the explosion site. We are incredibly fortunate; if the drone had fallen 20 yards closer, it could have been catastrophic.”

The horse trainer and riding instructor witnessed the drone before it detonated and described the children as “shocked but unharmed.”

Evacuees’ Experience

Michal Laufer, who relocated to Merom Golan from Kibbutz Dan in the Upper Galilee due to the tense situation, reported hearing the explosion while preparing for another evacuation. “We heard a loud boom and felt the shockwave. We immediately took shelter. The proximity of the detonation was incredibly frightening, about a hundred yards away,” she said.

Looking Ahead

As threats persist from Hezbollah, Israel continues to invest in enhanced defense mechanisms and alert systems to protect its citizens. The readiness and swift actions of the local emergency teams in situations like this underscore the community’s resilience and deterrence capabilities.

This story was first published on ynetnews.com.