Israel warns Lebanon of prospect of ‘all-out war’ as U.S. seeks to de-escalate hostilities
CNBCJun 18
Lebanon: Pagers Explode Killing, Injuring Thousands of Hezbollah Members and Civilians
Above: Ambulances are surrounded by people at the entrance of the American University of Beirut Medical Center, on September 17, 2024, after explosions hit locations in several Hezbollah strongholds around Lebanon. Image copyright: Anwar Amro/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Facts
At least nine people were killed and more than 3K injured in Lebanon on Tuesday when pagers used by Hezbollah members to communicate exploded across the country, according to Lebanon's health ministry. Iran's ambassador to Lebanon was injured in the attack, and an eight-year-old girl was also killed.
Pagers also reportedly exploded in some regions of Syria, including the Seyedeh Zeinab neighborhood of Damascus, to which Hezbollah deployed during Syria's civil war to protect the Shiite shrine located there.
The Spin
Pro-Israel narrative
Though Israel has not taken credit for this well-planned operation, it should demonstrate to Hezbollah and its patrons in Tehran that it cannot withstand an Israeli assault. The group's highly-trained and well-equipped ranks have been thrown into chaos, and its vulnerability has never been so clear. Hezbollah should end its terrorist attacks on Israel if it seeks to protect Lebanon.
Pro-Iran narrative
This attack against Lebanon is a clear example of Israeli terrorism in the region and its disregard for human life. Both Lebanese authorities and Hezbollah will investigate the security failures that led to this attack, and a response is guaranteed. Hezbollah is ready and able to defend Lebanon from Israeli aggression.