Israel launched new airstrikes in southern Lebanon on Thursday, a day after targeting communication and electronic devices belonging to Hezbollah members. The attacks, which destroyed radios, pagers, walkie-talkies, and even solar panels, resulted in 37 deaths and about 3,000 injuries.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the strikes, stating, “The IDF is currently striking Hezbollah targets in Lebanon to degrade Hezbollah’s terrorist capabilities and infrastructure. For decades, Hezbollah has weaponized civilian homes, dug tunnels beneath them, and used civilians as human shields — turning southern Lebanon into a war zone.”
These strikes came shortly after Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah condemned the previous day’s attacks, calling them “a terrorist act” and a declaration of war against Lebanon. The heightened tensions have raised concerns about a broader conflict in the region, causing widespread panic, with many Lebanese residents discarding their mobile phones out of fear.
Security Measures Intensified in Lebanon
Lebanese authorities have responded to the crisis by banning walkie-talkies and pagers on flights from Beirut airport, as well as prohibiting the shipment of these devices by air. The Lebanese army also conducted controlled detonations of suspicious telecom equipment across various areas.
Meanwhile, the IDF’s operations in Lebanon have increased fears of escalating violence. In Beirut, residents reported hearing loud noises from Israeli warplanes breaking the sound barrier. Tensions have been ongoing since Hezbollah fired missiles at Israel following the cross-border attack by Hamas on October 7, leading to frequent exchanges of fire between Israel and Hezbollah. Despite this, the conflict has not yet escalated into a full-scale war.
Lebanon’s Response and International Concerns
Prime Minister Najib Mikati of Lebanon called on the United Nations Security Council to take action against what he described as Israel’s “aggression” and “technological war” against Lebanon. This plea follows Israel’s claims that the conflict with Hezbollah is part of a larger regional confrontation with Iran, which is known to sponsor both Hezbollah and Hamas.
In parallel, Israeli security forces recently revealed they had arrested an Israeli businessman who allegedly attended meetings in Iran to discuss the potential assassination of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the defense minister, or the Shin Bet spy agency chief.
Despite the recent intensification of hostilities, the United Nations peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon reported that the situation along the frontier has remained relatively consistent in terms of the level of exchanges between Israel and Hezbollah. However, the continued conflict has forced tens of thousands to flee from the Israel-Lebanon border since the hostilities began in October.
Israel Shifts Military Focus
The Israeli military confirmed that its overnight airstrikes targeted Hezbollah positions in various southern Lebanese villages, including Chihine, Tayibe, and Meiss El Jabal. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced that the conflict has entered a new phase, prompting Israel to redirect more military resources to the northern border, deploying the elite 98th Division, which includes commando and paratrooper units.
The developments mark a significant escalation in an already volatile region, with both sides preparing for the possibility of a broader conflict.