Deadly Explosions Rock Lebanon’s South, Heightening Tensions
Hand-held radios used by Hezbollah detonated across southern Lebanon on Wednesday, resulting in the country’s deadliest day since cross-border clashes with Israel began nearly a year ago. The explosions follow a similar event on Tuesday involving Hezbollah pagers, escalating an already volatile situation.
Lebanon’s health ministry reported that 20 people were killed and over 450 injured in the southern suburbs of Beirut and the Bekaa Valley. The death toll from Tuesday’s blasts rose to 12, including two children, with nearly 3,000 injuries.
Israel’s Involvement Suspected
While Israeli officials have not commented on the blasts, security sources linked the incidents to Mossad, Israel’s intelligence agency. A Hezbollah official described the explosions as the group’s biggest security breach to date, throwing the organization into disarray amidst the ongoing war in Gaza.
Growing Fears of a Regional Conflict
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced that Israel was entering a “new phase in the war,” reinforcing troops along the Lebanese border. Meanwhile, Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi warned that Israeli actions were pushing the Middle East towards a full-scale regional conflict.
U.S. Denies Involvement
The U.S. government denied any involvement in the radio detonations, though a U.S. official disclosed that Israel had informed Washington of an upcoming operation in Lebanon without providing details.
Hezbollah Launches Retaliatory Strikes
In response to the blasts, Hezbollah fired rockets at Israeli positions, escalating the situation further. The Israeli military reported no casualties from the strikes. Tensions have been high along the Israeli-Lebanese border since the Gaza conflict began in October 2023.