Hezbollah Device Explosions in Lebanon Spark Fear of Conflict \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ A second wave of explosions hit Lebanon on Wednesday, targeting walkie-talkies and solar equipment after Hezbollah-linked pagers detonated a day earlier. These blasts, suspected to be carried out by Israel, killed at least 14 people and wounded over 450. The incidents have heightened fears of escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, as civilians also suffer the consequences.
Explosive Attacks in Lebanon: Quick Looks
- Second wave of explosions: Devices like walkie-talkies and solar panels exploded across Lebanon, following pager bombings the day before.
- Casualties: At least 14 people killed and over 450 injured, including civilians and health workers.
- Suspected perpetrator: Israel is widely believed to be behind the attacks targeting Hezbollah, though civilian deaths have occurred.
- Hezbollah’s retaliation: Hezbollah launched strikes on northern Israel in response to the attacks.
- Ongoing conflict: Tensions between Hezbollah and Israel continue to escalate, increasing fears of a broader war.
Deep Look
A fresh wave of explosions rocked Beirut and other parts of Lebanon on Wednesday, targeting walkie-talkies and solar equipment used by Hezbollah, the militant group that has been engaged in ongoing conflict with Israel. These blasts came just a day after similar attacks on Hezbollah pagers, further heightening fears that the simmering hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah could soon spiral into a full-blown war.
According to the Lebanese Health Ministry, the second wave of explosions claimed the lives of at least 14 people and injured over 450, adding to the chaos from the previous day’s attacks. On Tuesday, pager bombings killed at least 12 people, including two children, and wounded approximately 2,800. While the primary targets appear to be devices used by Hezbollah members, many of the casualties have been civilians.
Targeting Hezbollah, Civilians Caught in the Crossfire
The exact nature of the attacks remains somewhat ambiguous, but there is growing consensus that Israel is responsible, given its long-standing animosity with Hezbollah and its advanced intelligence capabilities. While Israel has not directly confirmed the attacks, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant hinted at a “new phase” in the conflict when addressing troops on Wednesday. “We are at the start of a new phase in the war — it requires courage, determination, and perseverance,” Gallant said, without directly referencing the explosions.
Wednesday’s attacks occurred during a funeral procession in Beirut for three Hezbollah members and a child killed in Tuesday’s pager explosions. Witnesses reported hearing several blasts, while in the southern coastal city of Sidon, a car and a mobile phone shop were damaged by device explosions. In other areas of southern Lebanon, solar panels rigged with explosives detonated, injuring at least one young girl.
Tuesday’s initial pager bombings had already left the country in a state of shock. Hezbollah confirmed that many of its members were using the pagers, but there was no guarantee that a Hezbollah fighter was holding the device when it exploded, leaving civilians vulnerable. Those caught in the explosions were often in homes, cars, grocery stores, and cafes, underscoring the indiscriminate nature of the attacks.
Hezbollah’s Response and International Condemnation
While Hezbollah has been firing back at Israel since the war in Gaza began, the group was dealt a significant blow with these latest attacks. Hezbollah launched three strikes on northern Israel in retaliation on Wednesday, further raising tensions in the region. This constant back-and-forth between Hezbollah and Israel has led to hundreds of casualties in Lebanon and dozens in Israel. The two sides have been exchanging fire nearly daily since October, with both countries dealing with large numbers of displaced civilians.
Meanwhile, international experts have weighed in on the legality and ethics of the attacks. Mary Ellen O’Connell, a professor of law and international peace studies at the University of Notre Dame, said that using booby traps on civilian devices such as pagers or solar panels violates international law. “Weaponizing an object used by civilians is strictly prohibited,” she emphasized. Similarly, the U.N. Human Rights Chief Volker Türk has called for an independent investigation, stating that the fear and terror caused by these explosions are “profound.”
Hezbollah’s Complex Role and Civilian Casualties
While Hezbollah is best known for its military activities, the group also operates an extensive network of civilian services that primarily serve Lebanon’s Shiite community. Many of those killed in Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s attacks were civilians working for Hezbollah-linked organizations, such as doctors, nurses, teachers, and charity workers. At least two health workers were among the dead, underscoring the broad reach of the bombings.
Hezbollah remains Lebanon’s strongest armed force, backed by Iran and wielding significant influence in the country. Since the war in Gaza reignited on October 8, Hezbollah has exchanged fire with Israel almost daily, further straining the already volatile border region. Hezbollah has positioned itself as an ally of Hamas, the Palestinian militant group leading the fight against Israel in Gaza.
Escalating Conflict and Regional Implications
As tensions continue to rise, Israel has been issuing warnings about the potential for increased military operations in Lebanon. Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Gallant, have signaled that they are prepared to ramp up their activities against Hezbollah. Israel began deploying more troops to its border with Lebanon on Wednesday, underscoring its preparedness for further escalations.
Gallant confirmed in his remarks that Israel’s attention is now shifting northward after months of battling Hamas in Gaza. “The center of gravity is shifting to the north by diverting resources and forces,” he said. Israeli drones have been observed flying over Beirut and other parts of Lebanon, adding to the tension.
At the same time, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the U.S. is still evaluating how the latest attacks could impact negotiations for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas.
Investigation into the Hezbollah Device Explosions
The precise mechanics of how these devices were rigged with explosives remain a mystery. Many analysts suspect that Israel infiltrated the supply chain, planting explosives in pagers and other devices before they reached Hezbollah in Lebanon. The Taiwanese firm Gold Apollo, whose name appeared on the devices, has claimed no direct involvement, stating that they had authorized a Hungary-based company, BAC Consulting KFT, to distribute the pagers. Hungary, however, has denied that the devices ever passed through the country, with government spokesman Zoltán Kovács stating that Hungary’s national security services are cooperating with international investigations.
Mourning and Continued Conflict
As Lebanon mourns its dead, the blasts continued to reverberate through the country. In southern Beirut, explosions occurred during a funeral for Hezbollah fighters, including a child and a paramedic, killed in Tuesday’s blasts. Hezbollah official Hashem Safieddine addressed the crowd, vowing that Israel’s “aggression will face its special punishment.”
Despite the violence and looming threat of war, the funerals proceeded amid a chorus of Israeli drones buzzing overhead, a regular occurrence in the skies over Beirut and southern Lebanon. Thousands of mourners marched alongside the coffins, with many, like Um Hussein, expressing their determination to continue fighting. “We will not despair and we will not surrender. We will continue as long as blood circulates in our veins,” she said, standing alongside her four children.
In the Bekaa Valley town of Nabi Sheet, villagers mourned the loss of Fatima Abdullah, a 9-year-old girl who died in the pager blasts. Her mother, draped in a Hezbollah scarf, wept as she and other women gathered around the young girl’s coffin.
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