Tensions Escalate as Hezbollah Radios Detonate in Lebanon Amid Widening Conflict with Israel
Hand-held radios used by Hezbollah exploded late Wednesday afternoon across southern Lebanon and in Beirut’s southern suburbs, according to a security source and eyewitnesses. This follows a similar incident the day before when explosions from pagers belonging to the group intensified the already high tensions between Hezbollah and Israel. One of the blasts occurred near a funeral organized by the Iran-backed group for members killed in Tuesday’s attacks.
The explosion of thousands of Hezbollah’s pagers on Tuesday injured numerous fighters and heightened the group’s internal chaos. In response, Hezbollah launched rocket strikes targeting Israeli artillery positions on Wednesday—the first significant military response since the detonations. The group, which has been engaged in sporadic conflict with Israel for years, signaled the potential for a broader Middle Eastern war.
Explosives Planted in Hezbollah Equipment
A senior Lebanese security official confirmed that Israel’s spy agency, Mossad, had planted explosives in pagers imported by Hezbollah. This operation was reportedly months in the making and resulted in an attack that left thousands wounded, including Iran’s envoy to Beirut. The death toll from the blasts has risen to 12, including two children, according to Lebanese Health Minister Firass Abiad. Over 3,000 individuals were injured in Tuesday’s blasts, many of whom were Hezbollah militants.
While Hezbollah has vowed revenge, Israel’s military has remained silent regarding the blasts. Both sides have been locked in cross-border warfare since the Gaza conflict began in October, raising concerns of a broader war that could involve regional powers like Iran and the United States.
Taiwanese Company Denies Responsibility for Devices
Gold Apollo, a Taiwanese pager manufacturer, denied involvement in producing the devices that exploded. The company clarified that the pagers were manufactured under license by BAC, based in Budapest, Hungary. This sophisticated operation by Mossad underscores Israel’s long-standing strategy of conducting covert operations on foreign soil.
Potential for Wider Regional Conflict
Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi accused Israel of driving the region toward a broader war, as Hezbollah’s actions, along with ongoing cross-border warfare, have escalated tensions. While Hezbollah has expressed a desire to avoid full-scale war, pressure is mounting on the group to retaliate strongly, particularly given the loss of civilian lives and the scale of destruction caused by the pager detonations.
“Hezbollah wants to avoid an all-out war, but given the impact on families and civilians, there will be pressure for a stronger response,” said Mohanad Hage Ali of the Carnegie Middle East Center.
Hezbollah’s Response and Warnings
Hezbollah has vowed to continue supporting Hamas in Gaza and promised retaliation for the “massacre” caused by the detonation of their pagers. The group described the incident as its “biggest security breach” in history, with footage from hospitals showing fighters and civilians with severe injuries, including missing fingers and deep wounds caused by the devices.
As the situation in Lebanon and Israel continues to deteriorate, fears of a more significant conflict involving regional and international players are growing. The recent blasts and Hezbollah’s retaliatory actions are stark reminders of the volatile and unpredictable nature of the region’s security landscape.