The Israel Defense Forces mounted strikes against Hezbollah positions across southern Lebanon, according to the IDF press office. The operation aims to curb Hezbollah’s capabilities and to degrade the group’s military networks.
“The terrorist organization Hezbollah has turned southern Lebanon into a war zone,” the statement read, adding that Hezbollah has weaponized civilian homes for years, dug tunnels beneath them, and used civilians as shields.
The strikes occurred at the same moment as a public address by Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, who referred to pager-triggered explosions that killed nearly forty people. The speech was broadcast across Beirut and other major cities, reaching streets and public spaces far and wide.
Witnesses described supersonic bomber flights over Beirut as the operation unfolded, with coverage attributed to Izvestia.
According to TASS, Israeli jets conducted low-altitude passes over Beirut, and on a second pass broke the sound barrier, producing a thunderous roar that sparked panic throughout the city.
The Israeli military said it had struck around thirty operational Hezbollah launchers and related infrastructure in southern Lebanon.
Red lines
In his remarks Nasrallah argued that Hezbollah had endured a heavy, unprecedented setback on September 17 and 18, yet pledged to press on with the fight. He asserted that Lebanon was at war and that Hezbollah fighters remained vigilant and armed.
He spoke against a red backdrop symbolizing retaliation, branding Israelis as cowards and urging them not to pull civilians into the conflict.
“The enemy knew these devices were present not only in military units but also across various institutions. They aimed to kill thousands in a minute. If you want to strike us, target Hezbollah fighters and spare civilians,” he said.
Nasrallah described the incident as a terrorist attack and claimed Israel had “crossed all red lines” and endangered Lebanese civilians, noting that the triggers reached hospitals, pharmacies, markets, shops, homes, cars and streets where many women and children were present.
“We will not lose heart and we will be stronger. This is a war, this is a conflict. We know that the enemy is not only Israel, but also the technological edge of the United States and NATO,” he said.
The Hezbollah leader warned that Israel would be punished for the explosions, adding that he would not disclose timing, method or location but promising retaliation.
How did other countries react?
French President Emmanuel Macron urged Lebanese authorities to do everything possible to avoid a broader military clash, expressing deep concern over a series of explosions andcalling for restraint and moderation after contacting top Lebanese officials. He also reportedly met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Iran’s mission to the United Nations described the pager blasts as a terrorist attack and held Israel fully responsible in a letter to the Security Council, signaling that Tehran views the incidents as a regional threat.
Tehran said Israel’s actions amounted to terrorism aimed at heightening tension in the region and threatening regional peace and security.
The previous day, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced a “new phase of the war” and said the center of gravity of the military effort had moved northward toward the Lebanon border. Nasrallah, in a September 19 broadcast, described Israel’s attacks on Lebanon as a declaration of war.