In a deadly escalation of the ongoing Israel-Hezbollah conflict, Israel conducted coordinated pager detonations targeting Hezbollah strongholds in Lebanon, reportedly killing 39 people and wounding over 3,400, according to Israeli officials. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu authorized the operation in September, marking what appears to be one of the most significant security breaches for the Iran-backed group in nearly a year, a Hezbollah official reported on condition of anonymity.
The attack took place on September 17, when thousands of pagers exploded in Beirut's southern suburbs and other Hezbollah strongholds. The devices, which Hezbollah fighters use for communication to evade tracking, began beeping to signal incoming messages before detonating. Witnesses reported severe injuries, including eye damage, missing fingers, and abdominal wounds, as the explosion left many near the devices in critical condition.
According to Omer Dostri, spokesperson for the Israeli Prime Minister's office, Netanyahu proceeded with the attack despite resistance from senior defense and political officials. During a cabinet meeting, Netanyahu reportedly defended his decision to target Hezbollah’s low-tech communication network as part of a broader strategy to counter the group’s influence and destabilize its operations along Israel’s northern border.
Following the pager explosions, Israel launched further operations, including an air strike that killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and new incursions into southern Lebanon. Since the start of the Gaza war in October 2023, Israeli forces and Hezbollah have engaged in intensifying cross-border skirmishes, heightening fears of a wider regional conflict.
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