Lebanese army soldiers stand guard near a hospital in Beirut on Sept. 17, 2024, after thousands were injured and nine killed in a series of explosions involving pagers used by Hezbollah members, which are attributed to Israel. (Credit: Anwar Amro/AFP)
Are the detonations a sign of Israel’s determination to weaken Hezbollah considerably, to prepare for a new kind of war that would enable it to avoid a large-scale offensive in Lebanon and an all-out escalation in the region? Or has Israel dealt Hezbollah an unprecedented decisive blow as a prelude to a more important operation? Since Sept. 17 afternoon, many questions have been raised about Israel’s intentions. According to the latest figures, more than 3,000 people were wounded, including several 100 in critical condition. In addition, at least 20 were killed after the simultaneous explosions of thousands of pagers — less susceptible to hacking communication devices used by Hezbollah members — in several parts of Lebanon and Damascus on Sept. 17. Also, 100s of walkie-talkies were detonated on Sept. 18, which Hezbollah apparently...
Are the detonations a sign of Israel’s determination to weaken Hezbollah considerably, to prepare for a new kind of war that would enable it to avoid a large-scale offensive in Lebanon and an all-out escalation in the region? Or has Israel dealt Hezbollah an unprecedented decisive blow as a prelude to a more important operation? Since Sept. 17 afternoon, many questions have been raised about Israel’s intentions. According to the latest figures, more than 3,000 people were wounded, including several 100 in critical condition. In addition, at least 20 were killed after the simultaneous explosions of thousands of pagers — less susceptible to hacking communication devices used by Hezbollah members — in several parts of Lebanon and Damascus on Sept. 17. Also, 100s of walkie-talkies were detonated on Sept. 18, which Hezbollah...