Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu revealed on Sunday (November 10, 2024) that he authorized a fatal September strike on Hezbollah communication devices in Lebanon, marking the first time Israel has acknowledged its involvement.
Hezbollah had previously accused its long-standing enemy of the explosions that significantly impacted the Iran-backed militant group, promising retaliation.
“Mr. Netanyahu confirmed on Sunday that he approved the operation involving pagers in Lebanon,” his spokesperson Omer Dostri informed AFP regarding the attacks.
The handheld devices utilized by Hezbollah members exploded consecutively in supermarkets, on streets, and at funerals in mid-September.
These incidents resulted in the deaths of nearly 40 individuals and injuries to almost 3,000, preceding Israel’s ongoing military campaign in Lebanon.
Hezbollah initiated minor attacks on Israel in solidarity with Hamas following the latter’s assault on Israel on October 7, 2023, which sparked the Gaza conflict.
The attacks have escalated since the outbreak of war in Lebanon in late September, as Israel intensified its aerial operations against Hezbollah and subsequently deployed ground forces into southern Lebanon.
Published – November 11, 2024 04:06 am IST
