Hezbollah Launches New Round of Missiles into Northern Israel Amid Escalating Conflict
Lebanon and Israel on High Alert as Tensions Rise
BEIRUT (AP) — Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah declared that the recent explosion of hundreds of electronic devices in Lebanon, which killed at least 37 people and wounded over 3,000, was a “severe blow” that crossed a ”red line.” However, he insisted that the group will emerge stronger and continue its daily attacks against Israel.
Nasrallah spoke via video from a secret location, a departure from the usual rallies where his followers gather to watch his speeches on giant screens.
“Yes, we received a huge and serious blow,” said Nasrallah. “The enemy crossed every limit, every red line.”
Nasrallah emphasized that Hezbollah will continue its attacks against Israel as long as the war in Gaza persists.
“The Lebanese front will not end until the aggression in Gaza ends.”
“The only way is to stop the aggression against the people of Gaza and the West Bank,” he declared. “No attacks, no assassinations, no open war will achieve that.”
He added that “the enemy will face severe punishment, from where he expects it and from where he does not expect it.”
During Nasrallah’s speech, Hezbollah carried out at least four attacks against northern Israel, and two Israeli soldiers were killed in a previous attack. Israeli planes flew low over Beirut, breaking the sound barrier and causing panic among residents.
Israel also launched strikes against southern Lebanon on Thursday, targeting dozens of Hezbollah missile platforms and facilities. The extent of any injuries or damage is unclear.
Israel’s Defense Minister, Yoav Gallant, warned that Hezbollah “will pay an increasingly dear price” as Israel works to create conditions on its border with Lebanon that will allow residents to return to their homes.
“Our goal is to ensure that residents of communities in northern Israel can return to their homes. As time passes, Hezbollah will pay an increasingly dear price,” Gallant added. “The progression of our military actions will continue.”
Hezbollah Launches New Round of Missiles into Northern Israel
Escalating Tensions in the Region
Hezbollah launched a new round of missiles into northern Israel on Thursday, amid growing fears of a wider conflict after the explosion of hundreds of electronic devices in Lebanon, which killed at least 37 people and injured more than three thousand.
The device’s detonations appeared to lead to a months-long Israeli operation to hit as many Hezbollah members as possible at once. For two days, pagers and walkie-talkies used by the Lebanese militia exploded, injuring and even killing some fighters, but also civilians connected to the group’s social services. At least two children died.
Israeli Response and Warnings
Speaking to Israeli soldiers on Wednesday, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said, “we are at the beginning of a new phase in the war. It takes courage, determination and perseverance.” He did not mention the explosive devices, but praised the work of the Israeli army and security agencies, noting that “the results are very impressive.”
Gallant explained that after months of fighting with Hamas in Gaza, “the center of gravity is moving to the north, diverting resources and forces.”
International Pressure and Precautions
Israel and Hezbollah have repeatedly backed away from the brink of open war in the face of intense pressure from the United States, France and other countries.
But in their latest warnings, Israeli leaders said they were determined to dramatically change the regime status quo.
Israel began bringing more troops to its border with Lebanon on Wednesday as a precaution, according to Israeli officials. Army chief Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi said plans had been drawn up to act against Hezbollah, although media reports said the government had not yet decided whether to launch a major offensive in Lebanon.
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Israel’s Iron Dome defense system intercepts rockets launched from Lebanon in the Galilee region, seen from the Golan Heights, Sunday, August 4, 2024. Photo: Leo Correa, AP
The explosions have destabilized Lebanon which is already troubled by the fear of open war. The Lebanese army said it located and fired suspicious beepers and communication devices, while Lebanese civil aviation authorities banned beepers and walkie-talkies on all flights leaving Beirut international airport until further notice.
The attack was likely to severely disrupt internal communications for Hezbollah, which is trying to find secure ways for its members to talk to each other. The militia announced the death of five fighters this Thursday, without specifying whether they died on the front line or in the explosions.
The explosions happened when the beekeepers or the walkie-talkies were in different parts of Beirut and east and south Lebanon, in homes and cars, food shops and cafes or on the street, and even at the funeral of some of the victims and were killed in the first explosions, often close to family members and others.
Many suffered serious injuries to their legs, abdomen or face, or suffered mutilation of their hands. Tuesday’s explosions in the area killed 12 people, including two children, and injured around 2,800 people. Explosions the next day killed 20 and injured more than 450.
This photo shows a motorcycle burned after an Israeli attack in front of the Salah Ghandour hospital, in the background, on Monday, May 27, 2024, in the town of Bint Jbeil, south Lebanon. Photo: Mohammad Zaatari, AP
Health Minister Firas Abiad praised Lebanese hospitals, saying they were able to deal with the flood of injuries within hours. “It was an indiscriminate attack. “It was a war crime,” he said.
Mary Ellen O’Connell, a professor of law and international studies at the University of Notre Dame in Indiana, said booby traps are banned under international law. “Converting an object used by civilians into a weapon is strictly prohibited,” he said.
