Hezbollah members among hundreds wounded after pagers explode in Lebanon and Syria, officials say
Associated PressSep 24
Hand-held Radios Explode Across Lebanon Day After Pager Attack
Above: Funeral ceremony held for four people who were killed in Lebanon when pagers used by Hezbollah members were detonated, in Dahiyeh neighborhood, south of the capital Beirut, Lebanon on September 18, 2024. Image copyright: Houssam Shbaro/Contributor/Anadolu via Getty Images
The Facts
A day after pagers used by Hezbollah members to communicate exploded across Lebanon, hand-held radios used by the group exploded in Beirut's southern suburbs, the Bekaa Valley, and the country's south on Wednesday, killing at least 14 people and injuring 450, according to Lebanon's health ministry.
Though the details of the attacks are still unclear, Axios reported on Tuesday that Israel told the US it carried out the pager attack out of concern Hezbollah had become aware of the booby-trapped devices. The initial attack killed 12 people, including two children, and nearly 3K. Israel's military hasn't issued a statement on the explosions.
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Though the pager attack was a precise operation, any escalation in the region is counterproductive to cease-fire negotiations and the freeing of Israeli hostages. Israel has a right to defend itself from terrorist threats, but it is paramount that the country's leadership prioritizes de-escalation.
Pro-Israel narrative
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.
Pro-Palestine narrative
Israel continues to isolate itself internationally due to its genocidal campaign in Gaza and its insidious aggression against Lebanon. As Israeli attacks kill thousands, the US continues to shield it from accountability and ensure that it is armed to the teeth. This war will only end when the US ends its support for Israel's genocidal ambitions in Gaza and the wider region.
Narrative D
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.