A drone strike targeting an army base in northern Israel has resulted in the deaths of four soldiers and injuries to more than 60 others.

According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The incident occurred at a military installation near Binyamina, a town located about 20 miles (33 km) south of Haifa.

Details of the Attack

Hezbollah, a Lebanon-based armed group, claimed responsibility for the assault. In a statement, the group said it launched a “swarm of drones” at a training camp used by the Golani Brigade, an elite unit of the IDF. The strike was framed as a retaliatory measure following Israeli attacks in southern Lebanon and Beirut on Thursday.

Israeli authorities initially placed a media blackout on the specific location and nature of the attack due to censorship rules. However, the IDF later confirmed that the targeted base was situated adjacent to Binyamina, between Tel Aviv and Haifa.

Casualties and Response

The drone strike left seven soldiers severely injured. The Magen David Adom (MDA), Israel’s national ambulance service, reported that 61 people were wounded in total, including three in critical condition. The IDF also confirmed several critical injuries, though the reason for discrepancies between the reports remains unclear.

In addition to the critically injured, 18 individuals were said to be in moderate condition, while 31 others sustained mild injuries. Nine people were treated for anxiety following the attack.

Emergency Operations and Evacuations

Emergency services quickly mobilized, transporting 37 injured individuals to regional hospitals across northern Israel. Hillel Yaffe Medical Center in nearby Hadera received many of the casualties, while others were evacuated to hospitals in Tel Hashomer, Haifa, Afula, and Netanya. Ambulances and helicopters were seen ferrying the wounded to medical facilities throughout the evening.

Attack Location and Impact

Initial reports from Israeli media suggested that the attack involved a low-level drone launched from Lebanon, which may have evaded Israel’s early-warning systems. Many of the victims were reportedly inside a communal canteen at the base when the drones struck, catching them by surprise.

Images circulating online show an empty mess hall with a gaping hole in the roof, indicating the damage caused by the attack. This strike highlights the rising tensions between Hezbollah and Israel, as well as the increasing use of drones in regional conflicts.

Israeli officials are continuing to assess the situation and investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack.