Update: 14-Year-Old Killed, 23 Injured After Students Played With Unexploded Hezbollah Munition in Northern Eretz Yisroel

Several hours after a tragic explosion in northern Eretz Yisroel claimed the life of a 14-year-old student and left 23 others injured, chilling new details have emerged. According to reports, the group of students had been playing with the abandoned Hezbollah explosive device and even posed for pictures with it in their hands shortly before it detonated.

Israeli authorities currently suspect that the device was an unexploded Hezbollah cluster bomb left behind from recent conflicts. While officials are awaiting the results of a comprehensive investigation to make a final determination, initial assessments strongly point to it being a cluster munition.

The devastating blast occurred during a school hike near Mitzpe Pe'er, involving students from the Ort High School in Ma'alot-Tarshiha. Investigators believe that one of the students discovered the unexploded ordnance—likely from a Hezbollah rocket or a similar projectile—and placed it inside his backpack. The device remained in the bag for several minutes before suddenly exploding.

The area where the tragedy took place had previously been utilized by Israeli forces as a staging ground for operations against Hezbollah, making it a frequent target for Hezbollah rocket fire. Authorities are now investigating whether the school trip had received the necessary security authorizations and if proper protocols were followed before the students were permitted to hike in the sensitive area.