Hezbollah in Turmoil After Second Wave of Deadly Blasts in Lebanon
Share
Hezbollah is in crisis after a series of deadly explosions hit its strongholds in Lebanon, killing 32 people, including two children, and injuring over 3,000. The explosions targeted the group’s communication devices, and Hezbollah has accused Israel of being behind the attack. Lebanon’s health ministry confirmed the numbers of those killed and injured.
Israel has not officially responded to the accusations, but Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant hinted that Israel’s military focus is shifting northward toward Lebanon. “We are at the start of a new phase in the war,” Gallant said, referring to ongoing tensions with Hezbollah along the northern border.
Hezbollah, which is allied with the Palestinian group Hamas, has been in frequent clashes with Israeli forces near the Lebanon-Israel border, even as Israel continues its military operations in Gaza. The recent explosions, which caused walkie-talkies and pagers used by Hezbollah members to blow up in public places, have created chaos within the group.
In a statement, Hezbollah blamed Israel for the attack on their communication systems and promised retaliation. A source close to the group confirmed that 20 Hezbollah members were killed when their devices exploded.
Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, is expected to give a televised speech on Thursday. Both supporters and enemies are eagerly waiting to see how the group plans to respond to the attacks.
Lebanon’s Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib condemned the explosions, calling them a “serious attack on Lebanon’s sovereignty.” He warned that this could lead to a larger conflict. Iran, a key ally of Hezbollah, also condemned the attack. Iran’s UN representative said the country “reserves the right to take action,” especially since its ambassador in Beirut was injured in the blasts.
The explosions have overwhelmed Lebanon’s hospitals. Doctors in Beirut reported severe injuries, including amputations and eye damage. “The injuries are unlike anything we’ve ever seen,” said one doctor who worked through the night.
Investigations suggest the walkie-talkies and pagers used by Hezbollah were tampered with before they were delivered. A Lebanese security official said the devices were rigged with explosives before they reached Hezbollah members. Reports indicate the devices came from a Taiwanese manufacturer, Gold Apollo, and were produced by a Hungarian company, which denies involvement.
The explosions have shaken Hezbollah and increased tensions in the region. Nasrallah’s upcoming speech is expected to reveal how Hezbollah will handle the situation moving forward.
