Hezbollah vows retaliation after second wave of device explosions | DW News

Summary

Lebanese health officials reported at least 20 deaths and over 450 injuries from a series of explosions targeting communication devices used by Hezbollah. This follows a day after hundreds of pagers exploded, killing 12 and injuring thousands. Analysts suggest Israel's intelligence could be behind the incidents, aiming to push Hezbollah back and restore normalcy for displaced persons. The attacks have disrupted Hezbollah's command, operational levels, and communication, undermining trust in their security. The situation raises concerns about potential retaliation and the possibility of escalating conflict in the region.

Takeaways

• 💥 At least 20 people were killed and over 450 injured in a series of explosions in Beirut, targeting communication devices used by Hezbollah.
• 🕯️ The explosions occurred during a funeral for members of Hezbollah and a child, indicating a strategic timing related to the group's activities.
• 📱 The incidents followed a day after hundreds of pagers used by Hezbollah exploded across Lebanon and Syria, suggesting a coordinated campaign.
• 🏢 A cell phone shop caught fire after an explosion, highlighting the potential for widespread damage and disruption.
• 🔍 Benam Tali, a senior fellow, suggests that Israel's foreign intelligence services may be behind the attacks, aiming to push Hezbollah back and restore normalcy to displaced persons.
• 🛡️ The attacks signal a challenge to Hezbollah's military capabilities and their ability to maintain deterrence, potentially leading to a military dilemma for the group.
• 📡 The use of pagers and walkie-talkies indicates a shift in Hezbollah's communication strategy due to fears of cell phone tracing by Israeli intelligence.
• 🔎 The incidents reveal potential weaknesses in Hezbollah's and Iran's internal security, as their supply chains and security measures are compromised.
• 🌐 The situation could escalate tensions in the region, with implications for Hezbollah's operations and Iran's strategic interests.
• ⏳ The long-term impact on Hezbollah's communication and operational capabilities remains uncertain, with the possibility of them going 'dark' to evade detection.

Q & A

What was the immediate cause of the explosions in Beirut involving communication devices?

The explosions were caused by the detonation of hundreds of pagers and walkie-talkies, which were reportedly used by Hezbollah.

How many people were killed and injured in the second wave of explosions in Beirut?

At least 20 people were killed and over 450 were injured.

What was the context of the first wave of explosions involving pagers?

The first wave of explosions occurred across Lebanon and Syria, killing at least 12 and injuring thousands, and was also linked to communication devices used by Hezbollah.

What is Benam Tali's view on who might be behind the explosions targeting Hezbollah?

Benam Tali suggests that Israel's foreign intelligence services might be behind the explosions, pointing to political and military aims such as signaling seriousness about restoring displaced persons and pushing Hezbollah back.

What does the incident indicate about Hezbollah's defense preparedness and internal security?

The incidents indicate that Hezbollah's supply chains and internal security have been compromised, as their communication devices were targeted and their security measures were breached.

What are the potential long-term effects of these attacks on Hezbollah's operational capabilities?

The attacks could introduce significant transaction costs for communication, disrupt command and control, and potentially push Hezbollah's planning 'under the radar' if they revert to more covert methods.

What does the timing of the attacks suggest about the intentions of the party responsible?

The timing might suggest a 'use it or lose it' scenario, where the technology used in the attacks was about to be exposed or compromised, necessitating its use before it was no longer viable.

How does the situation impact Iran's position as Hezbollah's main supporter?

The situation could be a blow to Iran, as it indicates vulnerabilities in its proxy's security and operational capabilities, potentially prompting Iran to reassess its support strategies.

What does the shift of Israeli military focus towards the north indicate?

The shift indicates that Israel views the situation in the south as largely under control and is preparing for potential escalation or a change in tactics in the north.

What is the Israeli government's stance on the situation with Hamas and Hezbollah?

The Israeli government views the defeat of Hamas as a long-term mission and is signaling that it will not accept the continuation of the current situation on Hezbollah's terms, indicating a possible change in strategy.