Israel-Hezbollah conflict – latest: Israel strikes Lebanon as Hezbollah says device blasts are ‘act of war’

Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah blames Israel for attacks on group's communications devices that left 37 dead

Moment of explosion in Lebanon as Hezbollah radio devices detonate

The Israeli military said it was striking Hezbollah targets in Lebanon as the movement’s leader accused Israel of “crossing all of the red lines”, heightening fears of an escalation into a full-blown regional war.

Israeli jets were carrying out huge sonic booms over the Lebanese capital Beirut during a speech by Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah on Thursday, according to a witness.

Nasrallah blamed Israel for this week's deadly attacks on the militant group's communications devices, which he called a "severe blow" and said the group is investigating.

Hand-held walkie-talkie radios used by the armed group were detonated across Lebanon’s south on Wednesday, stoking tensions after similar explosions of the group’s pagers the day before.

The Lebanese mission to the UN said that they were detonated by “electronic messages”, and authorities had concluded the explosives had been implanted before arriving in the country.

Lebanon's health minister said on Thursday that the death toll from the second attack in Beirut's suburbs and the Bekaa Valley has now risen to 25, with at least 608 injured. A further 12 people were killed in explosions the previous day, including two children, with nearly 2,300 wounded.

"We are opening a new phase in the war," Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said in the aftermath, adding that his country’s military focus is shifting to its northern border.

Key Points

• Hezbollah leader says pager attack crossed ‘red line’ as wider war fears mount
• Hezbollah chief vows to punish Israel after communications blasts
• Exploding devices in Lebanon 'detonated by electronic messages'
• Israeli military says it is striking Hezbollah targets in Lebanon
• Death toll from second attack on Lebanon rises to 25, health minister says
• Japanese company denies making Hezbollah's exploding walkie-talkies

[19 September 2024 03:00 · Holly Evans]

British-educated businesswoman denies making Hezbollah explosive pagers which killed at least 12 people

A British-educated businesswoman has denied allegations of manufacturing the pagers used in an audacious attack against Hezbollah.

The handheld devices killed at least 12 people and injured 3,000 after they simultaneously detonated across Lebanon and Syria on Tuesday afternoon in a suspected Israeli operation.

The Taiwanese company whose branding was on the technology claimed Budapest-based firm BAC Consultancy made the devices under a three-year brand licensing agreement.

Read the full article here:

[19 September 2024 02:00 · Holly Evans]

Watch: Moment of explosion in Beirut one day after pagers detonate

[19 September 2024 01:00 · Holly Evans]

Live view of Israel’s border with Lebanon

[19 September 2024 00:00 · Holly Evans]

Read the full story: At least 20 dead as walkie-talkies explode in Lebanon

Handheld radios used by Hezbollah exploded across Lebanon on Wednesday in a second wave of deadly blasts as Israel’s defence minister declared his country was entering a “new phase of war” on its northern border.

At least 20 people were killed and 450 injured by the detonations, Lebanon’s health ministry said.

While Israel has not commented, the finger has been pointed at its Mossad spy agency. A senior Lebanese security source and a second source told reporters that Mossad – which has a long history of complex attacks on foreign soil – planted explosives inside the pagers. The claim was mirrored by American officials cited in US media.

Read the full article from chief international correspondent Bel Trew here:

[18 September 2024 23:20 · Holly Evans]

Iran’s UN envoy says they will ‘duly follow up’ on attack on their ambassador

The Iranian ambassador to the UN, in a letter reported by the Iranian state news agency, reiterates that his country blames Israel and accuses it of committing acts of a “terrorist nature”.

Amir Saeid Iravani said: “The Islamic Republic of Iran will duly follow up on the attack against its ambassador in Lebanon, which resulted in his injury, and reserves its rights under international law to take required measures deemed necessary to respond to such a heinous crime and violation.”

He added: “Western countries, especially the United States as a strategic ally, by their unwavering so-called ironclad support for this regime, bear international responsibility” for Israel’s acts.