Hezbollah’s leader has denounced Israel following the explosion of thousands of pagers and walkie-talkies over two days, stating that “all red lines have been crossed by the enemy” and that the lethal attacks “deserve a response.” During Hassan Nasrallah’s speech, sonic booms from Israeli jets were heard over Beirut, causing panic in the Lebanese capital. The city has been on high alert since the attacks began on Tuesday.
A loud blast was captured on live TV, with journalists reporting ensuing screams as Lebanese residents feared further escalation. Lebanon, Hezbollah, and Iran have accused Israel of the covert attacks that killed 37 people and injured around 3,000, overwhelming Lebanese hospitals and causing significant harm to Hezbollah.
Israel has not directly addressed the attacks, which security sources attribute to its Mossad spy agency. Defence Minister Yoav Gallant remarked only that “the results are very impressive.” Amid rising tensions, a top Iranian commander has reportedly assured Hezbollah, Tehran’s proxy, that Israel will face “a crushing response from the axis of resistance.”
CNN broadcasts a live speech of Hassan Nasrallah, that is considered the head of a terrorist group according to the United States, that means the United States under the democrat Party is officially proclaiming that Hassan has legitimate stance
Awkward moments, in my opinion pic.twitter.com/zeHKrR7Z6W
— Zahi Sakr (@ZahiBeK) September 19, 2024
In his first address since the attacks began on Tuesday, Nasrallah claimed over 4,000 devices were detonated with the aim of causing mass casualties. “This could be called a declaration of war,” Nasrallah told his followers. “We have received a very hard hit, but this is the state of war. Through this experience and its lessons, we will be stronger and more powerful.”
Nasrallah detailed that the explosions occurred in various locations including hospitals, pharmacies, markets, shops, homes, and cars, as well as in streets crowded with civilians, women, and children. “This is the scale of criminality,” he stated. “What can we call this kind of criminal action—is it a big operation? Is it genocide? Is it a massacre?”
He noted that the death toll could have been much higher if all the devices had been distributed and if fighters had been carrying their communication devices when the blasts were triggered. Despite high-ranking officials, including Iran’s envoy to Beirut, being wounded, Nasrallah asserted that top Hezbollah members did not use the model of pagers that exploded.
BREAKING 🚨
NASRALLAH making his speech.. 📟
— Kosher🎗🧡 (@K0sher_C0ckney) September 19, 2024
“What happened did not impact our command, control, or infrastructure,” he said, though he admitted it was a significant security breach. During Nasrallah’s extended address, Israel continued airstrikes on Lebanon, with warning sirens sounding in northern Israel, signalling possible incoming fire.
The Israeli defence forces stated they were targeting Hezbollah in Lebanon to degrade the group’s terrorist capabilities and infrastructure. They added this was part of efforts to return displaced Israelis to their homes in the north, months after civilians were evacuated due to ongoing cross-border fighting.
Nasrallah declared that the displaced Israelis “won’t be able to return” to their homes. He asserted that Hezbollah, which has been fighting Israel for 11 months, would not relent until the Gaza war ends, despite the deadly device explosions attributed to Israel. “The Lebanese front will not stop until the aggression on Gaza stops,” he said, despite “all this blood spilt.”
Hezbollah’s determination, he added, was stronger than ever, and any attempt by Israel to enter southern Lebanon would present a “historic opportunity” for the group. “This will, no doubt, have dire consequences,” he warned. Reports indicated that shortly before 4 pm, Israeli fighter jets were conducting mock air raids over Beirut and breaking the sound barrier. This was the lowest flyover since hostilities began in October 2023.
The Israeli military confirmed it was targeting Hezbollah in Lebanon shortly before Nasrallah’s speech, accusing the group of turning southern Lebanon into a warzone. “For decades, Hezbollah has weaponized civilian homes, dug tunnels beneath them, and used civilians as human shields,” it said. “The IDF (Israel Defence Forces) is operating to bring security to northern Israel to enable the return of residents to their homes and achieve all of the war goals,” it added.
A separate military statement mentioned that Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi, Chief of the General Staff, had recently approved plans for the northern arena.
What Other Media Are Saying
- The Jerusalem Post discusses Iran’s rising influence in the Middle East, its reconciliation with Saudi Arabia, and ongoing tensions with Israel, highlighting regional instability and security concerns. (Read more)
- Al Jazeera reports Hezbollah vowing retaliation against Israel for a coordinated pager explosion attack, escalating tensions with potential for all-out war and increased regional instability. (Read more)
- The Guardian reports on Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah’s speech, emphasizing the group’s vow for harsh retaliation against Israel after deadly pager and walkie-talkie blasts in Lebanon, highlighting security failures and escalating regional tensions. (Read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
What did Hezbollah’s leader say about the recent explosions in Lebanon?
He condemned Israel, stating ‘all red lines have been crossed by the enemy’ and that the attacks ‘deserve a response.’
What was the reaction in Beirut during Nasrallah’s speech?
Sonic booms from Israeli jets were heard, causing panic and terror among the residents.
Who has been blamed for the attacks in Lebanon?
Lebanon, Hezbollah, and Iran have blamed Israel for the clandestine attacks.
What has Israel said about the attacks?
Israel has not commented directly, but its Defense Minister called the results ‘very impressive.’
What is Hezbollah’s position on the ongoing conflict with Israel?
Hezbollah vowed to continue fighting until the Gaza war ends and threatened dire consequences if Israel enters southern Lebanon.
