Video Captures Moment Walkie Talkies Explode at Hezbollah Member’s Funeral in Beirut

In a dramatic escalation of covert operations, Israel has targeted Hezbollah once again, this time blowing up thousands of two-way personal radios/ walkie-talkies used by the terrorist group. This second wave of attacks follows a previous strike on Tuesday that involved detonating pager devices used by Hezbollah members. The coordinated explosions have intensified the pressure on the Lebanese group, further disrupting its operations.

Details of the Attacks

According to sources cited in an Axios report, Israeli intelligence services booby-trapped the walkie-talkies and delivered them to Hezbollah as part of the group's emergency communications system. The devices were intended for use during wartime with Israel. The second wave of attacks hit Hezbollah’s ranks hard, with Lebanon's official news agency reporting that at least 9 people were killed and hundreds wounded in the explosions across the country.

The attacks caused significant damage, further impairing Hezbollah's military command and control systems. The timing of the second wave coincided with funerals for some of the victims of the initial pager attack, adding to the chaos. Videos circulating on social media captured one of these explosions during a funeral, resulting in injuries to a Hezbollah guard. Explosions were also reported in various locations across Beirut and other parts of Lebanon, including residential areas.

Strategic Intentions

The goal behind the second wave of attacks was to increase fear and paranoia within Hezbollah’s ranks. By targeting the walkie-talkies, Israeli officials aimed to create significant disruption and press Hezbollah’s leadership to reconsider its strategies regarding the ongoing conflict with Israel. The attacks are part of a broader strategy to influence Hezbollah's policies and encourage the group to distance itself from Hamas, seeking a separate resolution to the conflict.

Reports suggest that the timing of the second attack was also driven by concerns that Hezbollah’s investigation into the earlier pager explosions might uncover the security breach in the walkie-talkies. This preemptive move was intended to prevent Hezbollah from discovering the extent of Israeli infiltration.

Reactions and International Context

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken addressed the attacks that occurred yesterday during a press conference in Egypt, stating that the United States was not involved in or aware of the pager attacks. He emphasized the need for all parties to avoid actions that could escalate the conflict further, urging restraint.

The series of attacks underscores the high-stakes nature of the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, with both sides bracing for potential further escalations. As the situation develops, the international community remains concerned about the broader implications for regional stability.

The UNSC will convene an emergency meeting on Friday to discuss Israel's covert attacks on Hezbollah. The meeting has been requested by Algeria.