Following a significant cyberattack by Israel on Hezbollah members, marked by the explosion of walkie-talkie devices Lebanese authorities have confirmed that at least 12 people have died, with around 3,000 others wounded.
What’s the issue between Israel and Hezbollah?
The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah is part of a broader dispute involving Lebanon and Iran-backed Shiite armed groups like Hezbollah. This tension has deep historical roots, going back to the establishment of Israel in 1948, the Arab-Israeli conflicts, the Lebanese Civil War, and Israel’s occupation of southern Lebanon from 1982 to 2000.
Hezbollah, a Shiite militant group and political party, emerged as a resistance force during Israel’s occupation of Lebanon. With substantial support from Iran and Syria, Hezbollah has developed advanced military capabilities, including long-range missiles, making it a significant threat in Israel’s eyes.
History of Israel and Hezbollah
Israel invaded Lebanon in 1982 to target the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), which was operating from Lebanon. In response, Hezbollah was formed to resist the Israeli occupation. Although Israel withdrew in 2000, Hezbollah continued to see Israel as a threat.
In 2006, tensions escalated when Hezbollah kidnapped two Israeli soldiers, sparking a 34-day war. During the conflict, Hezbollah launched thousands of rockets into northern Israel, while Israel bombed southern Lebanon and parts of Beirut. Although the war ended in a stalemate, it caused significant damage and loss of life in Lebanon.
Despite the withdrawal, Hezbollah has maintained a military presence in southern Lebanon and has bolstered its arsenal, including precision-guided missiles that pose a serious threat to Israel. The conflict also ties into Israel’s broader struggle with Iran, which politically and militarily backs Hezbollah.
Border tensions remain high, particularly in areas like the Shab’a Farms, a contested territory between Lebanon, Syria, and Israel that Hezbollah claims as Israeli-occupied Lebanese land.
Details of the Walkie-Talkie Explosion Attack
The death toll from the chain of beeper explosions in Lebanon has risen to 12, with over 1,800 of the more than 2,800 injured requiring hospital care, Lebanon’s Public Health Minister Firas Abiad confirmed.
During a press conference, Abiad reported that the victims included two children and four health workers who were carrying the beepers at a hospital in Beirut’s southern suburbs. Most of the wounded—around 1,850—were in Beirut and its surroundings, while another 750 were injured in the southern regions, and 150 more in the Bekaa Valley.
Except for the capital itself, most of the affected areas are Hezbollah strongholds. Hezbollah confirmed that members of their movement were carrying the messages affected by the explosions, which they attributed to Israel. However, the Minister clarified that civilians were also among the victims.
Approximately 1,800 injured individuals required hospitalization, with just under 300 in critical condition. Around 460 people have undergone surgery, including some amputations.
Abiad remarked, “The attack was massive and unexpected. Hospitals received 70 to 80 patients at once, and it was possible the health system might have been overwhelmed, but our emergency plan played a crucial role.”
The health department’s emergency plan, coordinated with various hospitals, was critical in ensuring the death toll wasn’t higher, given the scale of the attacks. “It seems Israel is escalating, but as the Lebanese government, we do not seek war,” Abiad said. “Yesterday was a major test for our emergency plan.”
Lebanon has already received medical aid from Iraq, Iran, and Jordan, and some of the wounded have been transferred to Syria and Iran for further treatment.
