Iran's United Nations mission has confirmed that Lebanon's Hezbollah group was responsible for a drone attack on the residence of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday.
"This action was taken by the Lebanese Hezbollah," the mission stated in response to inquiries about Iran's involvement in the attack, as reported by the Iranian news agency (IRNA). Earlier on Saturday, Netanyahu accused Hezbollah of attempting to assassinate him after his office reported that a drone from Lebanon had struck his family home.
The group, which has endured significant losses from intense Israeli bombardments targeting its senior leadership, has yet to claim responsibility for the attack. "The attempt by Iran's proxy Hezbollah to assassinate me and my wife today was a grave mistake," Netanyahu declared in a public statement.
Netanyahu's office disclosed that a drone was launched towards his residence in the central town of Caesarea on Saturday, but he and his wife were not present at the time, resulting in no injuries. Military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari confirmed that a drone "hit a building in Caesarea, while attempting to target the prime minister."
Addressing "Iran and its proxies," Netanyahu warned that "anyone who attempts to harm Israel's citizens will face severe consequences." The spokesman for Iran's foreign ministry, Esmaeil Baghaei, criticized Israel for "spreading falsehoods," stating that it is a "consistent and enduring practice of this regime and its criminal leaders" to level accusations against Iran, according to IRNA.
Tehran has conducted two direct attacks on Israel during the ongoing conflict, the most recent being a barrage of 200 missiles on October 1, for which Israel has vowed to retaliate. Iran has also warned that it will respond if Israel launches any attacks.
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