War in all but name: Hezbollah rocket attack kills two Israeli soldiers, Israel responds with attacks of its own

The Iranian-backed terrorist group that holds major political clout in Lebanon, Hezbollah, may have just fired the first shots of a war with Israel, which could plunge a delicately balanced region into all-out war.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - On January 28, Hezbollah fired rockets into Israel, hitting Israeli vehicles and killing two soldiers, and immediately claimed responsibility, calling the attack an act by the "heroic martyrs of Quneitra."

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Experts believe the attack may have been in retaliation for the killing of six Hezbollah fighters and an Iranian general during an Israeli airstrike into Syria on January 18. Israel declared that the attack was justified as the members were planning attacks against Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that: "Those behind the attack today will pay the full price." Netanyahu met with security officials about potential responses to the attack after Israel fired back into Lebanon.

Hezbollah officials told the U.N. that they are not looking to increase tensions between themselves and Israel-whom they fought in a war back in 2006 - but instead only sought revenge, which they feel has been dully obtained.

The attack took place in an area claimed by Lebanon within the borders of Israel, where the two nations meet with Syria. Israel reported that two soldiers - Capt. Yochai Kalangel, 25 and Sgt. Dor Nini, 20 - were killed and another seven were injured during the attack on the convoy.

In response, Israel targeted Hezbollah positions in Lebanon with artillery and airstrikes. One U.N. peacekeeper was killed in these strikes.

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It is still unclear how this tense situation will be resolved. A war would be another destabilizing presence in the Middle East where the Islamic State has the run of much of Syria and Iraq, and likely only they would gain from another conflict. However, Israel must act to protect itself, and continue to present a strong front, so other Islamic Organizations won't target them.

"We cannot sit idly by when we see that Hezbollah is shooting at our forces," said one member of Israel's parliament, Danny Danon, during an interview with USA TODAY. "The Cabinet will have to decide about the level of response, but I am sure that there will be a proper response to show Hezbollah that we will not accept this level of hostility."

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