Pagers Attack and Beyond: Israel Intensifies its Fight Against Terrorists
Following a series of targeted actions against Hezbollah officials, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) launched powerful airstrikes against rocket launchers, weapons depots, and armament labs in southern Lebanon. Unlike the explosive devices aimed at Hezbollah operatives, who are backed by Iran, Israel did not deny its involvement in the air raids. The IDF command openly stated that the objective was to weaken Hezbollah’s ability to launch rockets at northern Israel. Notably, this significant and effective air assault took place after Israel’s partners expressed dissatisfaction with its ongoing efforts to eliminate terrorists and their strongholds.
Before the morning of 20 September, Israel’s key partners expressed concerns about the airstrikes targeting Hezbollah military objectives in southern Lebanon. While the United States affirmed its support for Israel’s security and urged a swift return to ceasefire negotiations, the United Kingdom called for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.
This stance seems somewhat surprising in light of the surge in terrorist activity that escalated 12 months ago, starting on 7 October 2023, and considering that over 100 Israeli citizens have been yet held hostage for almost a year.
According to Lebanon's state news agency, NNA, Israeli aircraft conducted at least 52 strikes on Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon after 21:00 local time (18:00 GMT). It appears to be the most intense IDF attack on Hezbollah positions since the terrorist attack on 7 October 2023.
Photo: White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre during a press briefing on 19 September 2024, calling for a diplomatic resolution. Source: Video Screenshot.
“…our commitment to Israel’s security is ironclad. We are unwavering”
Karine Jean-Pierre, White House Press Secretary, briefing on 19 September 2024.
"...We have made it very clear on this matter. Obviously, our commitment to Israel’s security is ironclad. We are unwavering.
…we believe that a diplomatic solution is achievable. This is still our belief. The conflict along the Blue Line has lasted far too long. And it must be resolved quickly. We will continue to engage in diplomatic talks, working towards a ceasefire agreement. We believe this is the path to de-escalation and lowering tensions in the region. That's why we have been working around the clock to achieve this. We still believe a diplomatic solution is the right approach in this case. We continue to believe it is possible.
…White House officials have been in the region, conducting discussions aimed at securing a ceasefire agreement. We are continuing to work with Egypt, Qatar, and, of course, Israel to achieve this.
It’s crucial that we reach a resolution that will end this war. This is what the president wants, as he has stated himself.
…we are focusing heavily on this and will continue to explore diplomatic alternatives, creating conditions for displaced Lebanese civilians to return to their homes in the south (of Lebanon), as well as for Israeli civilians to return to their homes in the north (of Israel).”
The Israeli Air Force’s strike on Hezbollah military targets in southern Lebanon occurred almost simultaneously with a televised address by Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. This was Nasrallah’s first public speech following a series of explosions involving communication devices—pagers, portable radios, and other equipment used by members of the terrorist organisation. In his address, Nasrallah declared that Israel had crossed “all red lines” with these attacks, threatening retaliation and vowing to continue supporting Hamas in Gaza. Reports indicate that over 2,900 people have been injured, with 287 in critical condition afrer "pagers attack". The final death toll has not yet been confirmed. Israel has not acknowledged its involvement in the attacks on the communication devices.
In essence, Nasrallah threatened further escalation, adding that Israelis who had been evacuated from northern Israel due to Hezbollah's shelling would not be allowed to return.
Photo: UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy on 19 September 2024, calling for an immediate ceasefire “from both sides.” Source: Screenshot from David Lammy's X (formerly Twitter) account.
“…calling for an immediate ceasefire on both sides”
David Lammy, UK Foreign Secretary, 19 September
"We are all acutely aware of the need for a negotiated political settlement, enabling Israelis to return to their homes in northern Israel and for the Lebanese to return to theirs.
Therefore, tonight I am calling for an immediate ceasefire from both sides, so we can work towards this settlement, this necessary political resolution."
The situation suggests that Israeli leaders resorted to military actions as a last option. This move came after months of failed attempts by Israel to secure the release of hostages taken on 7 October last year and to halt rocket attacks on southern Israel by Hamas from Gaza and on northern Israel by Hezbollah from southern Lebanon.