Yossi Yehoshua
Ynet News, Sept. 19, 2024
“Based on statements coming from Lebanon and the depth of the damage to the organization, Israeli assessments suggest Hezbollah will respond—and in a different way than it has so far.”
The second wave of strikes launched on Wednesday caused significant damage to Hezbollah, marking part of a series of operations attributed to Israel that could, with high probability, lead to a broader war—one that might even draw in Iran.
These actions may be intended to force Hezbollah, after suffering severe blows, to cease fire and agree to a deal—one that suits Israel and allows northern residents to safely return to their homes, as outlined in the war’s objectives.
The explosions, reportedly over 2,000 in total, hit areas like the Dahiya neighborhood in Beirut, Mount Lebanon, Sidon, Marjayoun, and Baalbek. Lebanese reports indicate that explosions also occurred in homes, vehicles, and warehouses. The devices detonated on Wednesday, larger and with more explosives than the pagers that exploded earlier, were meant to assist Hezbollah during a ground maneuver against Israel. According to reports from Lebanon, Hezbollah purchased these devices about five months ago—around the same time the pagers were acquired. … [To read the full article, click here]