The Israeli military launched a new wave of attacks against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon following device explosions that left the Middle East fearing all-out war. The attack involved airstrikes and artillery but did not involve Israeli ground forces crossing the border. The strikes aimed to degrade Hezbollah’s capabilities and infrastructure. Two soldiers were killed in combat in northern Israel, while Lebanon reported four injuries in raids on a town in southern Lebanon. At least 37 people, including two children, were killed and thousands more injured in Lebanon. The attacks left Hezbollah in disarray and hospitals overwhelmed.
Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah condemned the attacks as a severe security and humanitarian blow, describing it as an act of war against Lebanon. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant spoke of a new phase in the conflict, warning that Hezbollah would pay an increasing price. This shift in focus to the northern border with Lebanon came after months of war with Hamas in Gaza.
The explosions were caused by pagers and walkie-talkies that Hezbollah had in its possession. Investigations traced the origin of the devices to a Taiwanese electronics manufacturer and a Hungarian trading intermediary. Lebanon directed airlines to prohibit transporting these devices, and the Israeli military stressed its operations were aimed at bringing security to northern Israel and achieving its goals.
While Israel did not take direct responsibility for the attacks, both Hezbollah and Lebanese officials blamed Israel. The country’s foreign minister was set to bring the issue to the United Nations Security Council. Countries across the world were investigating how the devices made their way to Hezbollah and the involvement of various companies in the supply chain.
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