Israeli Warplanes Strike Targets in Lebanon

On Thursday, Israel launched airstrikes in southern Lebanon, claiming to have disrupted an Iranian-led assassination plot, based on a Reuters report. This action followed a series of deadly explosions targeting Hezbollah’s communications equipment, resulting in 37 deaths and around 3,000 injuries within two days, heightening fears of impending conflict in the region.

The attacks included detonations of Hezbollah’s hand-held radios, leading to panic among residents, many of whom discarded their mobile devices for safety. The sound of Israeli jets breaking the sound barrier became increasingly common in Beirut, signaling the intensifying military actions.

The previous day saw multiple pager explosions, used by Hezbollah to avoid surveillance, causing 12 fatalities, including two children, and injuring over 2,300. This marked the deadliest day since the resurgence of hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, coinciding with the ongoing war in Gaza.

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati called on the United Nations Security Council to intervene against what he described as Israel’s “aggression” and “technological war.” While Israel has not officially addressed the booby-trapped devices, security sources suggest involvement from its intelligence agency, Mossad.

Israel asserts that its conflict with Hezbollah is part of a larger confrontation with Iran, which backs both Hezbollah and Hamas, along with various armed groups throughout the region. Israeli security forces recently arrested an Israeli businessman tied to discussions in Iran about plans to assassinate prominent Israeli officials.

Shin Bet has reported uncovering a plot by Hezbollah to target former Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon. Historically, Israel has been implicated in several high-profile assassinations of militant leaders.

Despite the recent surge in violence, a spokesperson for the U.N. peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon stated that crossfire incidents along the border had not significantly escalated, although concerns remain high.

The ongoing conflict has forced tens of thousands of residents on both sides of the Israel-Lebanon border to evacuate. Prime Minister Netanyahu has vowed to ensure the safe return of those displaced by the violence.

Source: Reuters

Image: Smoke rises following an Israeli strike on a target between the villages of Ghandourieh and Froun in southern Lebanon late on September 6, 2024. Ammar Ammar/AFP/Getty Images