Flares fired near Netanyahu’s home prompt investigation by Israeli police

JERUSALEM — Israeli police announced on Saturday that two flares were detected near Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s residence in Caesarea, northern Israel.

“Around 19:30 Tel Aviv time (1730GMT), two flares were detected that were fired near the Prime Minister’s house in Caesarea, where they fell in the yard of the house,” police said in a statement.

Forces from the police and the Shin Bet security service (Shabak) responded to the scene. Netanyahu and his family were not home during the incident, police confirmed.

Authorities described the incident as “a serious escalation,” noting that a joint investigation with the Shabak has been launched. “Necessary investigative actions will be taken,” police added.

The official Israeli Army Radio reported that the flares caused no damage, but neither the police nor the broadcaster identified the source of the flares.

This incident comes shortly after an Oct. 19 attack on Netanyahu’s Caesarea residence involving a drone launched from Lebanon.

Hezbollah later claimed responsibility for that attack, though no injuries or damage were reported, as Netanyahu and his family were not home at the time.

In late September, Israel escalated its air campaign against targets in Lebanon, claiming they were associated with Hezbollah. This comes amid rising tensions and a year of cross-border clashes.

According to Lebanese health authorities, over 3,400 people have been killed, nearly 14,700 injured, and more than 1 million displaced due to Israeli attacks since last October.

Despite international warnings about the risk of a regional war, Israel expanded its operations by launching an incursion into southern Lebanon on Oct. 1, further escalating tensions in the region. — Agencies