Lebanon Crisis: Pager and Walkie-Talkie Attacks from Israel

Initial Pager Explosions and Aftermath

• Thousands of pagers exploded simultaneously across Lebanon and Syria on Tuesday.
• At least 12 people dies, including two children, and nearly 3,000 injured.
• Explosions occurred around 3:45 PM local time, lasting about an hour.
• Hezbollah fighters, medics, and Iran's envoy to Beirut were among the casualties.
• Lebanese government and Hezbollah accused Israel of orchestrating the attacks.
• US officials claimed Israel acted earlier than planned due to fears of discovery.

Second Wave of Explosions

• A day later, hand-held walkie-talkies detonated in Beirut and other Lebanese cities.
• 20 people killed and at least 450 injured in this second wave.
• One blast reportedly occurred near a Hezbollah-organized funeral for previous day's victims.
• Icom, a Japanese firm, stated the exploded walkie-talkie model was discontinued 10 years ago.
• Hezbollah strongholds in Beirut, south, and east Lebanon were affected.
• Air raid sirens sounded near Israel's border with Lebanon following the explosions.

Regional Implications and Responses

• Israel's defense minister hinted at a "new phase in the war" focusing on the northern border.
• Hezbollah vowed retaliation, calling it the "biggest security breach" in nearly a year.
• Lebanon's foreign ministry labeled the incidents as "dangerous and deliberate Israeli escalation."
• Hezbollah reportedly attacked Israeli artillery positions with rockets after the blasts.
• The explosions also affected Syria, injuring 14 people.
• Israel's Shin Bet reported thwarting a Hezbollah plot to assassinate a former defense official.
• The White House warned against "an escalation of any kind" in the region.