In a recent development that has drawn international attention, Israel has been accused of conducting a one-year-long covert operation to bomb Lebanese communication devices. The attacks, which targeted both civilian and military communication devices, have resulted in significant casualties and have escalated tensions between the two nations.
On September 17 and 18, multiple explosions occurred in Lebanese communication devices, causing 37 deaths and 2,931 injuries, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health. The Lebanese Communication Minister, Firas Abi Ayad, stated that 226 individuals were still in critical condition as of September 19. These attacks were reportedly carried out using devices that had been pre-implanted with explosives, which were detonated via electronic signals.
The Lebanese Hezbollah, a key player in the region, has strongly condemned these actions. Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah, declared that these attacks had crossed all red lines and amounted to an act of war. He emphasized that Hezbollah would not cease its military actions until the conflict with Israel in the occupied territories has ended.
To further escalate the situation, Israeli jets were reported to have broken the sound barrier in multiple Lebanese cities, including Beirut, Sidon, Zahleh, Jezzine, and Tyre, generating significant noise and causing panic. On September 19, Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) launched a new round of airstrikes on Hezbollah’s rocket launch sites, targeting over 100 locations. In response, the IDF urged residents in the northern regions, including the Golan Heights and Upper Galilee, to remain in designated shelters.
According to US and Israeli intelligence officials, Israel had been preparing for this operation for at least a year. They established a company to manufacture communication devices, which were later implanted with explosives. The devices were then distributed to Hezbollah, which used them for both military and civilian communication. The timing of the attacks was synchronized with Hezbollah’s communication methods, allowing Israel to detonate the devices when they were being checked.
The purpose of these attacks, according to media analysis, was to disrupt Hezbollah’s military command and control systems, increase internal panic within Hezbollah’s leadership, and weaken the group’s resolve to continue its conflict with Israel. The explosions were timed to occur before Hezbollah could fully secure its communication networks, thereby causing significant damage and disruption.
In response to these allegations, Israel has neither confirmed nor denied involvement. Israeli Defense Minister Galant praised the intelligence and special forces’ actions but stated that the IDF’s focus is shifting northward. The United States has also denied any involvement, stating that it had no role in the explosions.
The current military objectives of Israel appear to be a combination of coercion and diplomacy. By conducting these attacks, Israel is attempting to force Hezbollah to seek a separate peace agreement with Israel, rather than engaging in a full-scale war. Israeli officials have stated that if Hezbollah agrees to negotiate, Israel will avoid a large-scale conflict. However, if Hezbollah continues to resist, Israel will continue to use military pressure.
The situation remains tense, with both sides engaged in a complex mix of military action and diplomatic maneuvering. The escalation of these attacks raises questions about the potential for further violence and the possibility of a broader conflict in the region.
This article provides a detailed overview of the recent events, highlighting the strategic and tactical aspects of the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. It aims to inform readers about the complexity and potential implications of these ongoing operations.
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