Israel warns Lebanon of prospect of ‘all-out war’ as U.S. seeks to de-escalate hostilities
CNBCJUN 12 2024
At least nine people were killed and more than 3K injured in Lebanon on Tuesday when pagers used by Hezbollah members to communicate exploded across the country, according to Lebanon's health ministry. Iran's ambassador to Lebanon was injured in the attack, and an eight-year-old girl was also killed.
Pagers also reportedly exploded in some regions of Syria, including the Seyedeh Zeinab neighborhood of Damascus, to which Hezbollah deployed during Syria's civil war to protect the Shiite shrine located there.
More than 150 hospitals across Lebanon are treating the victims, with injuries mostly reported to the face, hands, and stomach. Hezbollah blamed Israel for the attack, vowing to respond. Israel's military has not commented on the attack.
Though Israel has not taken credit for this well-planned operation, it should demonstrate to Hezbollah and its patrons in Tehran that it cannot withstand an Israeli assault. The group's highly-trained and well-equipped ranks have been thrown into chaos, and its vulnerability has never been so clear. Hezbollah should end its terrorist attacks on Israel if it seeks to protect Lebanon.
This attack against Lebanon is a clear example of Israeli terrorism in the region and its disregard for human life. Both Lebanese authorities and Hezbollah will investigate the security failures that led to this attack, and a response is guaranteed. Hezbollah is ready and able to defend Lebanon from Israeli aggression.