‘Declaration of war,’ Hezbollah leader vows retaliation over bomb attacks

Hezbollah’s leader has condemned bomb attacks involving the explosion of thousands of communication devices used by the Lebanese armed group, calling them a violation of “all red lines” and accusing Israel of declaring war.

In a highly anticipated speech, Hassan Nasrallah acknowledged that Hezbollah had suffered an “unprecedented blow” but vowed to continue the fight, promising “just punishment” in retaliation.

Although Israel has not claimed responsibility for the blasts on Tuesday and Wednesday, which Lebanese authorities reported killed 37 people and wounded 3,000, Nasrallah attributed the attacks to Israeli forces. The blasts reportedly targeted pagers and radios used by Hezbollah members for communication, leading to mass casualties and panic across Lebanon.

As Nasrallah delivered his address, Israeli warplanes flew over Beirut, creating sonic booms, and other strikes hit targets in southern Lebanon, further escalating tensions.

The Israeli military stated that its operations aim to “degrade Hezbollah’s terrorist capabilities and infrastructure” and “bring security to northern Israel.”

The ongoing conflict between Hezbollah and Israel, which began in the wake of the war in Gaza, has claimed hundreds of lives, mostly Hezbollah fighters, and displaced tens of thousands on both sides of the border.

Hezbollah has framed its involvement as support for the Palestinian group Hamas, with both factions backed by Iran. Israel, the UK, and several other countries classify Hezbollah and Hamas as terrorist organizations.

Nasrallah’s Thursday address marked his first public response to the device explosions that spread panic across Lebanon and raised fears of a broader conflict with Israel.

According to Lebanon’s health minister, 12 people, including two children, were killed on Tuesday when Hezbollah communication devices exploded, followed by another 25 deaths the next day when walkie-talkies detonated in a similar manner.

Reports from Lebanese and U.S. sources suggest Israeli intelligence may have planted explosives in the devices or their batteries.

“The enemy has violated all rules, laws, and red lines. They acted without moral, humanitarian, or legal consideration,” Nasrallah stated. “This is a massacre, an aggression against Lebanon, its people, its resistance, and its sovereignty. It can be termed as war crimes or even a declaration of war.”

Despite the significant setback, Nasrallah maintained that Hezbollah’s command and communication capabilities remained intact. While he vowed severe retaliation, he reiterated that Hezbollah did not seek to escalate the conflict further.

Hezbollah continues its cross-border attacks unless there is a ceasefire in Gaza, Nasrallah noted, emphasizing that no acts of violence would secure northern Israel’s safety.

As Nasrallah spoke, Hezbollah supporters in Beirut’s southern suburbs gathered to bury two members killed in Tuesday’s blasts. Many expressed shock but reiterated their commitment to resistance.

Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon continued on Thursday, with Hezbollah retaliating by firing two anti-tank missiles and launching drones across the border. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed two Israeli soldiers were killed, and a third was critically wounded.

These developments come as Israel shifts its military focus from Gaza to its northern front. The IDF announced that its Chief of Staff, Lt Gen Herzi Halevi, had recently approved plans for operations in northern Israel. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant commented on the risks and opportunities presented by the next phase of the conflict.

While Israel has not disclosed the specifics of its strategy, reports suggest a buffer zone in southern Lebanon is under consideration. Nasrallah ridiculed the idea, warning that any such move would have severe repercussions for Israel.