Israel’s government is preparing for a retaliatory strike against Hezbollah in Lebanon following the devastating rocket attack on the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, where at least 12 children were killed on Saturday.

The security cabinet authorised Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant to decide on the manner and timing of action against the terrorist organisation Hezbollah.

Mr Netanyahu’s office said on Sunday evening after more than four hours of consultations.

“Earlier, he had threatened the pro-Iranian militia, saying they would pay a high price,” the office said.

As tensions rise and Western leaders warn against an expansion of the Middle East conflict, Hezbollah said it is preparing for a possibly severe Israeli attack.

The Lebanese airline Middle East Airlines announced on Sunday evening that it was postponing the return of some of its flights.

The Lufthansa Group announced on Monday that it had cancelled its flights to the Lebanese capital, Beirut. All flights have been suspended up to and including August 5.

The companies affected were SWISS, Lufthansa and Eurowings.

Initially, cancellations were planned for this Tuesday only.

Air France also cancelled its flights from Paris to Beirut for Monday and Tuesday for safety reasons, the airline announced.

U.S. officials have reportedly contacted their colleagues in Israel and Lebanon and exchanged messages with Iran in an attempt to de-escalate the situation.

The Wall Street Journal newspaper cited Arab and European officials familiar with the matter.

Reports said all sides indicated that they were not interested in escalating the conflict.

UK Cabinet Office Minister Pat McFadden warned that an escalation between Israel and Hezbollah could be much more serious than the war in Gaza, the PA news agency reported.

It was not immediately clear whether those killed were members of the Iranian-backed Hezbollah movement.

 (dpa/NAN)