Two flash bombs landed in the garden of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s residence in Caesarea on Saturday, sparking condemnation from senior officials and raising concerns over escalating threats.
According to Israeli police, neither Netanyahu nor his family were home during the attack, and no injuries or property damage were reported.
The incident, which took place amid heightened regional tensions, drew swift rebuke from Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Katz termed the attack a breach of “all red lines” and underscored the severity of threats faced by the Prime Minister from adversaries, including Iran and its regional proxies. Katz called on security and judicial authorities to take decisive action.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog also condemned the attack, confirming that an investigation had been launched. “This act is unacceptable, and those responsible must be held accountable,” Herzog stated in his response on X.
Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir added that the incident marked a dangerous escalation in hostility toward the Prime Minister. “Incitement against Netanyahu has already crossed dangerous thresholds, and throwing a flash bomb into his home represents a significant intensification of these threats,” he said.
Recurring security concerns
This attack comes just weeks after a drone was launched towards Netanyahu’s residence in October. That incident, like Saturday’s, caused no harm but highlighted growing security concerns surrounding the Prime Minister.
Netanyahu’s Caesarea residence has seen heightened vigilance in recent months due to his pivotal role in Israel's domestic and international affairs, as well as ongoing political tensions.
Saturday’s attack occurred against the backdrop of ongoing clashes in northern Israel. Israeli forces have been locked in intermittent skirmishes with the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah since October 2023. Although no group has claimed responsibility for the latest attack, security experts are closely monitoring the situation for potential links to the northern conflict.
