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In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing conflict, Israel launched a series of strikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon on Thursday, September 19, 2024. This action came in the wake of two consecutive days of deadly explosions triggered by wireless devices in Lebanon, which killed at least 37 people and injured over 2,900, according to Lebanese Health Minister Firass Al-Abyad.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the strikes, stating their intention to "degrade Hezbollah's terrorist capabilities and infrastructure." Defense Minister Yoav Gallant declared that the "center of gravity" of Israel's war against Hamas and its backers is shifting from Gaza to the northern border with Lebanon.
The attacks on Lebanon involved the remote detonation of pagers on Tuesday and walkie-talkies on Wednesday, causing widespread chaos and destruction. Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group, reported that 31 of its members were among the casualties. While Israel has not officially claimed responsibility, multiple sources attribute the attacks to Israel's Mossad spy agency.
In response to the strikes, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah delivered a televised speech, condemning the device attacks as crossing "all limits, rules, and red lines." Nasrallah vowed retaliation, describing the incidents as "war crimes" and a "declaration of war."
The conflict has broader implications, with Iran's ambassador to Lebanon among those injured in the explosions. Tehran has promised to "duly follow up on the attack," raising concerns about potential further escalation in the region.
International reactions have been swift. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken reiterated calls for calm during a press conference in Egypt, emphasizing the importance of avoiding steps that could further escalate the conflict. The World Health Organization chief, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, noted that the explosions had "seriously disrupted" Lebanon's already fragile health sector.
The situation remains tense, with cross-border fire between Israel and Hezbollah continuing since October 8, 2023. The IDF reported two soldiers killed near the Lebanon border on Thursday, underlining the ongoing danger in the region.
As the conflict intensifies, concerns grow about its potential to spread further. The U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin reaffirmed "unwavering U.S. support for Israel" in a call with Gallant, while also stressing the need for de-escalation.
