TEHRAN

Iran has warned Israel against any "new adventurism" against Lebanon following a rocket attack in the occupied Golan Heights on Saturday that killed at least 12 people.

Israel has linked the attack on a football field in the town of Majdal Shams in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights to Lebanon's Hezbollah group.

"Our intelligence is clear. Hezbollah is responsible for the killing of innocent children in Majdal Shams," Israel's military spokesman Daniel Hagari said on Saturday, vowing a response.

Hezbollah, however, "categorically denied" any role in the deadly attack, which comes amid heightened tensions between the two warring sides.

In a statement on Sunday, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani referred to Hezbollah's statement denying its role in the attack and accused Israel of "seeking to divert public opinion and global attention" from its crimes in the Gaza Strip, where it has killed more than 39,000 Palestinians since Oct. 7.

He termed the claims made by Israel regarding the Majdal Shams attack a "fabricated scenario," adding that Tel Aviv "lacks the minimum moral authority to judge and comment on the incident."

Kanaani called on the international community, especially the UN Security Council, "to support the stability and security of Lebanon and the region against the adventurism of the aggressive Zionist regime," referring to Israel.

He stressed that any "foolish action" by Israel could "pave the way for increased instability, insecurity, and the flames of war in the region," and said the responsibility for its consequences would rest with Israel.

He also urged the US government to "act upon its international and moral responsibility regarding global peace and security" and prevent Israel from stoking the flames of war in Gaza and elsewhere.

After the attack on Saturday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said he decided to shorten his trip to the United States and return "as soon as possible."

He also told the leader of the Druze community that Hezbollah will "pay a heavy price" for the Majdal Shams attack, his office said in a statement.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on Sunday said they will ensure Hezbollah "pays a price."