Israeli settlers describe chaos after deadly Hezbollah drone strike
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Settlers were surprised by the lack of air raid sirens or advanced warnings of the incoming drone strike, adding to the sense of vulnerability among them.
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Israeli soldiers mourn servicemember, killed Sunday by a Hezbollah drone attack that wounded dozens and killed four soldiers, while at his funeral in "Tuba Zangariyye", occupied Palestine, Monday, Oct. 14, 2024. (AP)
Israeli settlers on Monday informed AFP of the chaos and fear that followed a Hezbollah drone strike on an Israeli stronghold in the Binyamina area, which killed four soldiers and injured more than 60 others.
The attack, which occurred Sunday night, marked the deadliest strike since the war on Lebanon intensified last month.
Residents living near the base described a massive explosion, followed by an influx of emergency vehicles rushing to the scene.
"Last night was crazy," said Yousef, the manager of a restaurant in the nearby village of Kfar Kara.
"There was a huge boom and then suddenly ambulances started driving past, first one, then two, then three and more and more. There were so many police cars and paramedics."
Read more: Four dead, dozens injured in Hezbollah drone attack on IOF Haifa base
Yousef initially thought the explosion was linked to organized crime, but quickly realized it came from the nearby stronghold.
"We've been open here for two years and didn’t realize that we were next to such an important base. How did Hezbollah know it was here?" he wondered, expressing concern over the possibility of future strikes.
"Now they know where that base is, what if next time they fire and are slightly off target?"
Other witnesses in the area described seeing ambulances and private cars transporting dozens of injured soldiers.
Residents were surprised by the lack of air raid sirens or advanced warnings of the incoming drone strike, adding to the sense of vulnerability.
Panic in the settlements
Eyal Nabet, a resident of the nearby Kibbutz Regavim, noted that while residents did not hear the explosion, they were alerted by the kibbutz's security team and recognized the proximity of the incident from television coverage.
"Sadly, afterwards, we heard the ambulances and helicopters heading to and from the base," Nabet said, adding that recent renovations of bomb shelters had provided some sense of security.
Security Minister Yoav Gallant visited the base to address the situation, while an investigation led by Israeli forces is underway, according to Israeli reports.
"This was a difficult event with painful results. We must investigate it, study the details, and implement lessons in a swift and professional manner," Gallant said.
Read more: Shocked by Hezbollah Haifa strike, Israeli officials, media vent out
Following the strike, Hezbollah issued a warning to "Israel", promising further attacks if its offensive on Lebanon continues.
"The Islamic Resistance has pledged to the most honorable and pure of people that it will remain their protective shield and will not allow this cowardly enemy to single them out. It renews its promise to its highest and holiest martyr that it will continue to defend the beloved land of Lebanon according to the field plans personally prepared with the martyr leaders. It warns the enemy that what it witnessed today in southern Haifa is but a small taste of what awaits if it decides to continue its aggression against our noble and beloved people."
For the residents living near the Binyamina base, the future remains uncertain.
"We are afraid but there is nothing we can do about it," said a proprietor of a kiosk at the entrance to Kfar Kara, echoing the concerns of many in the area who now face the ongoing threat of conflict.
