US condemns 'horrific' missile attack on Majdal Shams in occupied Golan Heights

By Diyar Guldogan

WASHINGTON (AA) - The US condemned a "horrific" attack Saturday on the town of Druze in Majdal Shams in the northern occupied Golan Heights that killed 11 people.

"Our support for Israel’s security is iron-clad and unwavering against all Iranian backed terrorist groups, including Lebanese Hezbollah," a National Security Council spokesperson said in a statement, according to media reports.

The US will continue to support efforts to end "these terrible attacks along the Blue Line, which must be a top priority," the spokesperson was quoted.

The Israeli army vowed a response Saturday to Hezbollah after a missile attack, despite denials by the Lebanese group.

“The Majdal Shams incident is the most severe since Oct. 7, 2023, and we will respond to it,” Israeli army spokesperson Daniel Hagari said at a news conference.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has been in the US since Monday, ordered his return to Israel be brought forward "as quickly as possible."

Tensions have risen along Lebanon's border with Israel amid cross-border attacks between Hezbollah and Israeli forces as Tel Aviv presses ahead with a deadly onslaught against the Gaza Strip, which has killed nearly 39,300 victims since October following an attack by the Palestinian resistance group, Hamas.