Pagers and talkie walkies exploded, Israel escalating the war and Lebanon slowly sliding into more chaos
Autumn has begun, and the heavy rains sweeping across the country in recent days resemble the relentless bombardment that has plagued south Lebanon since October 8. The enemy has razed villages, scorched lands with white phosphorus, and claimed the lives of many civilians in a ruthless and bloodthirsty campaign, showing no sign of halting. Instead, they continue to escalate their attacks.
On Tuesday, September 17, hundreds of pagers carried by Hezbollah members across Lebanon exploded nearly simultaneously in an unprecedented attack. This incident far surpassed the scale of previous covert assassinations and cyberattacks in the region. Several areas were affected, particularly Beirut’s southern suburbs. The blasts claimed the lives of 13 people and injured around 2,800, leaving many with permanent disabilities, including damage to their eyes and hands.
The following day, Wednesday, September 18, as mourners gathered to pay respects to those killed in the pager-bomb attacks, an explosion shattered the fragile peace in Dahieh. Panic spread through the streets as the blast echoed. Reports soon confirmed a second wave of explosions, this time targeting walkie-talkies. At least 20 people were killed, and around 400 others were wounded, many of them women and children.
The most probable theory points the blame at Israel for lacing the devices with explosives before their shipment to Lebanon.
Though Israel has not officially claimed responsibility for the attacks, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced a “new phase” in the war, shifting focus to the northern front. Speaking to Israeli troops on Wednesday, Gallant did not directly mention the explosions in Lebanon but praised the work of Israel’s military and security agencies, describing their results as “very impressive.” IDF Chief Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi indicated that plans for further action against Hezbollah were in place and that Israel was prepared to strike again.
The situation escalated further on Friday when Israel launched a rare airstrike, killing senior Hezbollah military official Ibrahim Aqil in a densely populated southern Beirut neighborhood. The death toll from Friday’s bombardment on Beirut’s southern suburbs rose to 51 by Sunday, with six additional bodies recovered. Emergency services continue to search through the debris, working tirelessly to find the missing, including many children who remain unaccounted for.
In Lebanon
The South is burning: Over the weekend, Israel’s military launched coordinated airstrikes across multiple villages in southern Lebanon, as cross-border exchanges intensified and fears of an all-out war with Hezbollah grew. Dozens of Israeli warplanes targeted Hezbollah positions, with the air force claiming to have destroyed thousands of rocket launchers that posed an “immediate” threat. The escalating attacks have raised serious concerns about the potential for a broader conflict.
Hezbollah’s Fadi: More than 100 rockets were launched from Lebanon into Israel early Sunday, with several landing near Haifa in the north. The incident marks a significant escalation as tensions between Israel and Hezbollah edge closer to full-scale conflict after months of mounting hostilities.
Unlike earlier attacks targeting primarily military sites, this barrage covered a wider swath of northern Israel, triggering air raid sirens across the region. The Israeli occupation forces reported that rockets were aimed at multiple areas, suggesting a sharp increase in the severity of the conflict.
Warnings and threats: On Monday morning, the Israeli military issued a warning to Lebanese civilians, urging them to evacuate villages where Hezbollah is believed to be storing weapons. This escalation pushes Israel’s 11-month conflict with the militia closer to the brink of full-scale war after a week of heightened tensions.
The military also announced plans for more aggressive bombardments targeting Hezbollah strongholds, following the launch of what it described as a fresh wave of “extensive strikes” across Lebanon.
Furthermore, Israel hacked into Lebanese radio stations, broadcasting warnings to evacuate certain areas within two hours, stating that the army does not wish to harm them. It added: “Anyone near Hezbollah members is putting their life in danger.”
The office of Culture Minister Judge Mohamed Wissam Al-Mortada received a warning call from a person speaking formal Arabic with a strange accent, advising them to evacuate immediately due to being targeted. A similar call was received by the office of Information Minister Ziad Makary, urging the evacuation of the Ministry of Information building. Minister Makary commented that this tactic is typical of the Israeli enemy, which employs psychological warfare strategies. He assured that work at the Ministry of Information continues normally, with all employees focused on their daily tasks, urging not to overreact to the situation, which is under monitoring by relevant authorities.
Lebanese media also reported that the office of Information Minister Ziad Makary received an automated call advising them to evacuate the building.
The occupation forces are also warning of large-scale attacks planned for noon on Monday, further intensifying their psychological warfare.
In The Region
More genocidal behavior: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly considering a plan to forcibly evacuate all Palestinian civilians from northern Gaza, including Gaza City, as part of a strategy to besiege Hamas and pressure for the release of hostages.
While the exact number of Palestinians still north of the Netzarim Corridor, which divides Gaza, is uncertain, estimates suggest hundreds of thousands remain. The plan does not specify if or when these civilians would be allowed to return. After nearly a year of war and with Israeli airstrikes hitting across Gaza, many Palestinians have grown increasingly resistant to relocating despite Israeli orders.
Total blackout: The Gaza Health Ministry issued a warning on Sunday that all electricity generators in the enclave’s healthcare facilities will cease functioning within 10 days due to shortages of oil, filters, and spare parts. The Ministry emphasized that this crisis poses a severe threat to patients’ lives, particularly in critical areas like intensive care units.
In a Facebook statement, the Ministry urged international and humanitarian organizations to intervene immediately to secure the necessary supplies. Israel’s ongoing blockade of humanitarian aid during its military campaign in Gaza has led to devastating consequences, leaving civilians without sufficient access to food or medical care.
Syria and Turkey: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan revealed on Saturday that he has requested a meeting with Syrian President Bashar Assad during the upcoming UN talks in New York, as part of efforts to normalize relations.
Diplomatic ties between Turkey and Syria were cut off in 2011 following the outbreak of the Syrian civil war. At that time, Erdogan supported the rebel movement aiming to overthrow Assad. However, in recent months, he has pursued a reconciliation with Damascus.
“We are now awaiting a response from the other side,” Erdogan said to reporters before departing for the United Nations General Assembly, where he is scheduled to speak on Monday.
What We’re Reading
Us and America: Journalist Mohammad Al Sahily comments on the September 10 debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris for offering little substance on Middle East policy. Both candidates reiterated support for Israel’s “right to defend itself” without detailing broader strategies for the region. Al Sahily points out that US foreign policy has long been marked by errors, with no real effort at reform. He highlights Barack Obama’s inconsistent stance during the Arab Spring and Syria’s chemical weapons crisis, arguing that both Trump and Biden have only worsened the situation in the Middle East.
No education for Syrian students: Journalist Dana Hourany reports on the backlash against a decision allowing Syrians in Lebanon to access educational institutions. Opponents, including Samir Geagea of the Lebanese Forces, argue it encourages further migration and violates Lebanese law, threatening the country’s demographic balance. The Lebanese Forces organized protests and planned to challenge the decision legally, claiming it undermines laws on foreign education and sovereignty. Critics also highlighted that the timing conflicts with ongoing efforts to regulate Syrian refugees and reduce undocumented residency.
Open war or targeted invasion: Journalist Ramzi Abu Ismail discusses Israel’s recent attacks on Hezbollah’s communication devices as part of a strategic containment strategy. These strikes aim to weaken Hezbollah without a costly ground war, with reports suggesting Israeli intelligence, possibly involving Mossad, planted explosives in advance.
Israel seeks to establish a buffer zone north of the Litani River to prevent future attacks, but full occupation of southern Lebanon may be politically unfeasible. Additionally, these actions may undermine Hezbollah’s bargaining position in future negotiations, compelling the group to accept less favorable terms.
From warriors to protestors: Journalist Rodayna Raydan reports on protests by retired soldiers in Lebanon, driven by the severe devaluation of their pensions and the government’s failure to meet their basic needs. These demonstrations reflect deep disillusionment with the government and highlight the economic struggles faced by former military personnel.
Pensions, once adequate for a decent standard of living, have lost over 90 percent of their value since the financial crisis began in 2019, drastically reducing purchasing power and leaving many retired soldiers struggling to survive.
Lebanon +
In this episode of the Kalam Podcast, Lebanese journalist Ralph Baydoun (@perspectiveleb) joins Edgar for an honest discussion about Lebanon’s precarious situation. Once a leading exporter of arts and culture, Lebanon now grapples with devastating conflict and an ongoing economic crisis.
