Israel Strikes Southern Lebanon Amid Ongoing Tensions with Hezbollah
Israel has launched airstrikes targeting southern Lebanon in a significant escalation of its conflict with the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah. The strikes came after a series of sophisticated blasts involving Hezbollah radios and booby-trapped pagers, which claimed the lives of at least 32 people across southern Lebanon. This marks one of the deadliest days since the border hostilities began alongside Israel’s military operations in Gaza against Hamas.
The attacks on Hezbollah’s communication equipment have caused panic among Lebanese residents. Many are reportedly abandoning their phones for fear of similar attacks. Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati has called on the United Nations to address what he described as Israel’s “technological war” against Lebanon.
Israel, meanwhile, continues to assert that its operations are part of a broader effort to counter Iranian influence in the region, with Hezbollah, Hamas, and other groups playing key roles. Israeli officials have not confirmed the recent radio and pager explosions but indicated the involvement of their intelligence services.
This latest flare-up comes as tensions remain high along the Israel-Lebanon border, where Hezbollah has been launching missile attacks in response to Israel’s offensive against Hamas. Both sides have exchanged heavy fire, forcing tens of thousands to flee the region. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has stated that Israel is redeploying elite units, including paratroopers, to the northern front, signaling a potential intensification of military operations.
As the situation remains volatile, calls for international intervention grow louder. The U.N. has acknowledged the concerning developments, though it has yet to take decisive action.
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