Hezbollah Vows Retaliation Against Israel After Deadly Pager Blasts

Hezbollah vowed retaliation against Israel on Wednesday after a coordinated attack caused hundreds of pagers used by its members to explode across Lebanon, killing nine people and injuring around 2,800 others. Among the dead was the 10-year-old daughter of a Hezbollah member.

The explosions came shortly after Israel announced it was expanding its military operations to include Hezbollah, following Hamas’s October 7 assault on Israel. “We hold Israel fully responsible for this criminal act,” Hezbollah said, promising retribution for what they called “sinful aggression.” In a further statement, Hezbollah reaffirmed their support for Gaza and vowed vengeance for the attacks.

Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah is scheduled to address the public on Thursday. Lebanese Health Minister Firas Abiad confirmed the blasts killed nine people and left 200 in critical condition. Analyst Charles Lister speculated that the explosions were caused by small plastic explosives hidden with the pager batteries, possibly activated remotely. He suggested Israel’s Mossad likely infiltrated the supply chain to carry out the attack.

The incident has overwhelmed hospitals in Hezbollah-controlled areas. In one Beirut hospital, victims were treated in parking lots due to the influx of patients. In addition to the Hezbollah casualties, Tehran’s ambassador in Beirut was also injured, though not seriously.

This attack delivered a significant blow to Hezbollah, particularly regarding the security of its communications network. A source close to the group reported that the pagers were part of a shipment of 1,000 devices believed to have been sabotaged before reaching Hezbollah.

The blasts occurred just as Israel broadened its military objectives to include Hezbollah, having initially focused on Hamas in Gaza. Israel and Hezbollah have been exchanging fire since the October 7 Hamas attack, with casualties on both sides, including civilians and soldiers. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken returned to the region on Wednesday in a renewed attempt to push for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, with ongoing negotiations involving Qatar and Egypt.

Meanwhile, the United Nations General Assembly debated a resolution calling for an end to Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories within 12 months, though Israel dismissed the draft as “disgraceful.”