Watch: Massive blaze engulfs Israeli oil refinery after Hezbollah claims attack

A massive blaze erupted at an Israeli oil refinery in Haifa on Monday after a fresh wave of missiles was detected. Hezbollah claimed responsibility for launching a barrage of advanced missiles targeting a naval base in Haifa, indicating a coordinated escalation on multiple fronts.

It was not immediately clear whether the refinery fire was linked to Hezbollah’s attack or the Iranian missile salvo.Israeli television channels reported an impact at the refinery in the northern port city shortly after the military warned of incoming projectiles. Footage aired by Channel 12 showed flames engulfing a large storage tank, sending dense plumes of smoke across the skyline. The exact cause of the explosion remains unclear, with early reports suggesting it may have been triggered either by a direct missile strike or falling debris from intercepted rockets.The Israeli military said search and rescue teams were dispatched to the site as reports of damage emerged. Fire and rescue services were able to bring the blaze under control within a short span, preventing further escalation at the facility.The incident marks the second time in weeks that Haifa’s refinery has been hit during the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. The strike is significant given Israel operates only two major oil refineries, underlining the vulnerability of its critical energy infrastructure amid the escalating war.

The latest strike comes as both sides intensify operations. The Israeli army said it carried out fresh strikes on Iranian military infrastructure in Tehran, while also intercepting missiles fired towards its territory.The broader conflict continues to widen across the region. In Lebanon, a United Nations peacekeeper from Indonesia was killed after indirect artillery fire struck a UN position. Meanwhile, Saudi Arabia reported intercepting five ballistic missiles targeting its Eastern Province.The war has also disrupted energy infrastructure beyond Israel. Iran reported power outages in Tehran following strikes on electricity facilities, while the UN nuclear watchdog confirmed severe damage to Iran’s heavy water production plant at Khondab after Israeli attacks.