Missile Attacks Follow Biden Munitions Delay

The terrorist groups Hamas and Hezbollah launched significant rocket attacks against Israel in the last several days following news that the Biden administration delayed munitions shipments to Israel. The news came as Israel’s government approved an attack on the last Hamas stronghold of Rafah in the Gaza Strip.

On Friday, Hamas launched its first significant rocket attack in several months. The same day Hezbollah struck the Israeli city of Kiryat Shmona, which caused a significant fire.

The attacks also came as the conflict in Gaza continues. Four Israeli soldiers were killed in action late last week.

The Biden administration delayed munitions to Israel over concerns about its impending attack on Rafah. President Joe Biden previously described such an attack as a “red line,” but later walked back his comments.

Last week the president said that further weapons systems would be blocked or delayed to Israel if it went forward with its planned operation.

Former Israeli military spokesperson Jonathan Conricus said that after the Biden administration “attacked or berated Israel publicly previously during the war, Hamas hardened its demands in return for releasing hostages, in fact delaying and minimizing the chances of success of the delicate negotiation.”

“When Israel’s enemies detect tension between the U.S. and its most loyal and steadfast ally in the region, Israel, it emboldens them to attack Israel more and continue with their tactics of using human shields, since they understand that the U.S. will eventually punish Israel for defending itself, regardless of Hamas and Hezbollah’s actions,” he added.

The attacks came just weeks after Iran launched a barrage of hundreds of missiles and drones at Israel, resulting in just one injury. Hezbollah launched a handful of rockets in support of the actions.

Overnight, Hezbollah continued their constant Attack on Communities in Northern Israel, with them reported to have launched 2 Anti-Tank Guided Missiles at the Town of Metula causing No Casualties but Significant Damage to several Residential Buildings.

— OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) May 11, 2024

Hezbollah is estimated to have tens of thousands of rockets and missiles in its arsenal, which it has built up since its 2006 war with Israel. The terrorist group, whose name means ‘Party of God,’ controls much of Lebanon to the north of Israel.

Furthermore, Hezbollah has emerged as a key ally of both Iran and nearby Syria. Hezbollah forces have met with Iranian intelligence agents and were reportedly involved in the planning of the Oct. 7 Hamas terrorist attack that killed about 1,200 people.