On September 17, at least nine people died, and nearly 3,000 were injured in Lebanon. The cause was simultaneous explosions from pagers used by Hezbollah members, including fighters and medics.
When and Where Did the Explosions Happen?
The explosions began around 3:30 p.m. in two key areas: the southern suburbs of Beirut, known as Dahiyeh, and the eastern Bekaa Valley. These regions are strongholds of Hezbollah. Residents reported hearing explosions for about an hour. Some detonations occurred after the pagers rang, leading fighters to check their devices.
What Were the Explosions Like?
The blasts were contained, primarily affecting individuals wearing the pagers. Footage from the scene showed injuries like facial wounds and missing fingers. However, the blasts did not significantly damage buildings or cause fires.
What Type of Pagers Exploded?
Sources indicated that Israel’s Mossad had secretly planted explosives inside 5,000 pagers made by a Taiwanese company, Gold Apollo. Hezbollah had ordered these pagers earlier this year, believing they would evade Israeli tracking. However, the founder of Gold Apollo stated that these specific pagers were not made by his company.
What Caused the Pagers to Explode?
Hezbollah announced a “security and scientific investigation” into the explosions. Some speculated that the batteries might have overheated. However, experts doubted that battery failure alone could cause such damage. Reports suggested that Israel might have infiltrated Hezbollah’s supply chain to implant explosives in the pagers.
What Do Authorities Say?
Lebanon’s foreign ministry labeled the explosions an “Israeli cyberattack” but did not provide further details. The Lebanese information minister called the incident an attack on national sovereignty. Meanwhile, Israel’s military declined to comment. The U.S. government stated it was gathering information and had no involvement in the incident.
Implications for the Israel-Hezbollah Conflict
Analysts warn that these explosions may escalate tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, especially amidst ongoing conflicts. However, many believe neither side wants an all-out war at this time. Experts agree that Hezbollah might face significant operational disruptions due to this incident, which could lead to further tensions if diplomatic efforts fail.
