Hezbollah Leader Condemns Explosive Device Attacks, Vows Retaliation Against Israel
Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, condemned recent explosions involving the group’s communication devices, saying they “crossed all red lines” and amounted to a declaration of war by Israel. In his highly anticipated speech, Nasrallah admitted the blasts dealt a heavy blow to Hezbollah but vowed to continue the fight, promising “just punishment” in retaliation.
Though Israel has not officially claimed responsibility, Lebanese authorities believe Israeli operatives planted explosives in the devices. The blasts on Tuesday and Wednesday left 37 people dead and injured around 3,000, according to officials. As Nasrallah addressed the nation, Israeli warplanes created sonic booms over Beirut, rattling a weary population, while others struck targets in southern Lebanon.
The Israeli military said its operations aimed to weaken Hezbollah’s infrastructure and ensure security for northern Israel. Over 11 months of cross-border fighting, ignited by the Gaza conflict, have led to hundreds of deaths, primarily among Hezbollah fighters, and the displacement of thousands on both sides. Hezbollah maintains that its actions are in support of Hamas, another group with Iranian backing, which Israel and several countries label as terrorist organizations.
Nasrallah’s televised address was his first public response to the explosions, which Lebanese officials called a significant security breach. The blasts killed 12 people, including two children, when pagers used by Hezbollah members exploded almost simultaneously. The next day, another 25 people died when walkie-talkies detonated in a similar fashion.
“The enemy disregarded every rule, law, and moral code. This was a massacre, a major act of aggression against Lebanon’s sovereignty and security,” Nasrallah said, framing the attacks as potential war crimes.
While Nasrallah acknowledged the unprecedented nature of the attack, he assured supporters that Hezbollah’s communications network remained operational. His speech struck a defiant tone, but he reiterated that Hezbollah was not seeking to escalate the conflict with Israel. The group, he said, would continue its cross-border actions unless a ceasefire was achieved in Gaza, though he downplayed the likelihood of killings driving Israelis back to northern regions.
Ahead of Nasrallah’s speech, Hezbollah supporters gathered in Beirut to mourn two members who had been killed in the explosions. Many in attendance expressed shock but vowed to continue resisting.
Meanwhile, Israel ramped up its military response, hitting targets in southern Lebanon and engaging Hezbollah fighters along the border. Two Israeli soldiers were killed, and one was seriously injured in the latest clashes, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF).
With the conflict showing no signs of abating, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant hinted at strategic shifts in Israel’s military efforts, now focusing more on Hezbollah in the north. “As time goes on, Hezbollah will pay an increasing price,” he warned, without elaborating on Israel’s long-term objectives. Speculation arose that Israel might seek to establish a buffer zone inside southern Lebanon, though Nasrallah dismissed this as foolish and promised severe consequences if such a plan was attempted.
