A series of explosions from Hezbollah’s radios and pagers have rocked southern Lebanon, marking the deadliest day since cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel began nearly a year ago. The blasts occurred across Beirut’s suburbs and the Bekaa Valley, killing 20 people and injuring over 450.
The explosions, believed to be the result of Israeli intelligence operations, targeted communication devices used by Hezbollah fighters. The group has been relying on pagers and hand-held radios to avoid Israeli surveillance, but these devices were remotely detonated, causing widespread chaos.
Read more: Hezbollah Vows Retaliation Against Israel After Deadly Pager Explosions in Lebanon
Hezbollah was caught off guard by the scale of the attack, which security sources described as the most significant breach in the group’s history. Israeli officials have not publicly commented on the operation, but sources suggest it was coordinated by Israel’s Mossad.
The incidents have fueled fears of a broader conflict between Hezbollah and Israel. Lebanon’s government is concerned about the escalation of violence, with calls for urgent international intervention to prevent further bloodshed.
In response to the attacks, Hezbollah launched rockets at Israeli artillery positions, though no casualties were reported. The group vowed retaliation but has indicated a desire to avoid an all-out war, despite the growing pressure for a stronger response.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has signaled a shift in focus towards the northern border with Lebanon, as Israeli troops and resources are being transferred from Gaza to the region. The tensions have also complicated ongoing ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas, a Hezbollah ally.
The United Nations Security Council is set to meet to address the pager explosions, while Iran, an ally of Hezbollah, has vowed to respond to the attacks. The growing unrest threatens to destabilize Lebanon further, as the country struggles with economic and political crises.
