Israel launched airstrikes on southern Lebanon Thursday, escalating tensions following two days of explosions that destroyed Hezbollah communication devices and killed 37 people.
The Israeli military reported striking Hezbollah targets overnight in several Lebanese villages, including Chihine, Tayibe, Blida, Meiss El Jabal, Aitaroun, and Kfarkela. A weapons storage facility near Khiam was also hit. Lebanese state media and Hezbollah’s al-Manar TV confirmed renewed airstrikes near the border just after midday Thursday.
This action comes after a sophisticated attack on Hezbollah’s communication equipment. On Wednesday, hand-held radios used by the militant group detonated across southern Lebanon, killing 25 and injuring 608, according to Lebanon’s health minister. The previous day, hundreds of pagers exploded simultaneously, resulting in 12 deaths, including two children, and over 2,300 injuries.
Israeli officials have not directly commented on these incidents, but multiple security sources attribute the attacks to Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency.
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati called on the UN Security Council to take action against Israel’s “aggression” and “technological war” on Lebanon.
The conflict has spread panic among Lebanese civilians. Mustafa Sibal, a Beirut resident, said, “This isn’t a small matter, it’s war. Who can even secure their phone now?”
Israel claims these actions are part of a broader regional confrontation with Iran, which supports Hezbollah and Hamas. On Thursday, Israeli security forces announced the arrest of an Israeli businessman accused of discussing assassination plots against top officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during meetings in Iran.
Despite the escalation, Andrea Tenenti, spokesperson for the UN peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon, stated that the situation along the border hasn’t changed significantly in terms of exchanges of fire, though it remains “worrying” and “concerning.”
The conflict has forced tens of thousands to evacuate border areas on both sides. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced a shift in military focus, with more resources and units, including the elite 98th Division, being moved to the northern border.
