New remote-controlled explosions targeting Hezbollah members and statements by the Israeli Defense Minister point to an intensification of the war.
A new series of explosions of Hezbollah transmission devices has left 20 dead and more than 450 injured in Lebanonthis Wednesday, September 18, 2024. Walkie-talkies exploded in the southern suburbs of Beirut, during the funeral of four Hezbollah members, killed the day before in the explosion of pagers, 12 people lost their lives and 2,800 were injured after the remote-controlled explosion of their pagers. On the spot, rescuers “are trying to extinguish fires that broke out in houses, cars and shops,” says the Lebanese Civil Defense.
The “beginning of a new phase of the war”
This second wave of explosions now raises doubts about an all-out war between Hezbollah and Israel. For the moment, while the attack has not been claimed by Jerusalem, it has not been denied either. As the war moves from the Gaza Strip to Israel’s northern border, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant does not rule out an escalation of violence and a war that would extend to Lebanon.
He addressed his soldiers from an air base in the north: “I believe we are at the beginning of a new phase of the war. The center of gravity is moving north. This means that we are gradually reorienting our forces northward. We have not forgotten the hostages and what we have to accomplish in the south. We are doing everything simultaneously.” Comments relayed on Radio Francethis Thursday. With an offensive in the north, he hopes in particular for the return of the evacuated Israeli residents.
“We will bring back the people of the north safely,” Netanyahu assures
A desire clearly displayed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a video published on social networks: “I have already said that we will bring the inhabitants of the north safely back to their homes, and that is exactly what we will do,” he promised. For its part, the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs fears an escalation of tensions in the region: “France will resolutely continue its efforts to achieve a return to calm along the blue line and ensure the safety of civilian populations, in Israel as in Lebanon,” a statement said. A return to calm is difficult to imagine, particularly in view of the latest statements by the Israeli government, preparing minds for a possible intensification of the war.