Israeli officials are holding urgent discussions following the mass explosion of communication devices in Lebanon, which has reportedly damaged Hezbollah’s operational capabilities. The explosions, targeting thousands of communication devices, including pagers used by Hezbollah members, have escalated tensions between the two sides.
According to Israeli media reports, senior officials are meeting at the defence ministry in Tel Aviv to discuss the situation. The meeting follows statements by a former Israeli military commander suggesting that the incident presents an opportunity to shift the balance in the ongoing conflict with Hezbollah.
“This is an opportunity to alter the current dynamics of the conflict with Hezbollah,” said Yiftah Ron-Tal, a major general in the Israeli army reserves, as quoted by Israel’s Channel 14.
The explosions, which occurred simultaneously in various parts of Lebanon, killed at least nine people and injured over 2,750, including hundreds critically. Hezbollah and the Lebanese cabinet have blamed Israel for the attack, although Israel has not yet officially commented on the matter.
Israeli newspaper *Haaretz* reports that the emergency meeting is centred on preparations for a potential Hezbollah retaliatory attack. “The officials were asked to present options for addressing the escalating security situation with Hezbollah in the north,” the report stated.
With both sides already locked in an exchange of fire across the Lebanese-Israeli border since October, the explosions have further heightened the risks of a broader conflict. Israeli officials are now evaluating potential responses to Hezbollah’s anticipated retaliation, which could significantly escalate the situation in the region.