Israel has acknowledged its role in twin attacks targeting Hezbollah members in Lebanon, which have pushed the Middle East to the brink of wider conflict. The attacks killed at least 20 people and injured over 450, according to Lebanon’s health ministry.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant referred to the attacks as a “new era” of war during a visit to the Ramat- David Air Force base in northern Israel. He praised the “excellent achievements” of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Shin Bet, and Mossad, without directly admitting Israel’s involvement.
The attacks on pagers used by Hezbollah members were carried out hours after Israel voted to add ensuring the safe return of residents from communities along its border with Lebanon to its conflict objectives. This development has been met with concerns over the potential for further escalation in the region.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged parties to avert any further escalation, while Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib fears the consecutive attacks signal a move towards war.
The disruption of Hezbollah’s communications network could pave the way for an imminent military offensive in Lebanon, according to CNN intelligence and security analyst Bob Baer. The group relies heavily on walkie-talkies to coordinate fire, move ammunition, and communicate in real-time, making them vulnerable if Israel moves forward with its plans.
This is a developing story, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2024/09/18/middleeast/lebanon-explosions-intl/index.html