Hezbollah leader asserts that Israel has surpassed all substantial limits.
In Lebanon, numerous pagers and walkie-talkies associated with Hezbollah were found blowing up. The leader of the militia imputed blame on Israel and threatened retribution. "Revenge is imminent," predicted Nasrallah.
After the detonation of numerous communication devices supporting Hezbollah, a Shia group based in Lebanon, its commander Hassan Nasrallah conceded that the group suffered a significant setback. Addressing the public for the first time since the attacks resulting in 37 fatalities and over 2900 injuries, Nasrallah accused Israel of conducting a "purge" and a "massacre" during a live televised address.
"In a span of 48 hours and 60 seconds, Israel aimed to exterminate more than 5000 individuals," declared the organization's leader. "This heinous act is akin to a declaration of war," he asserted. Israel, he asserted, had "transgressed all ethical boundaries." The incident represented a "first of its kind" in the history of their resistance and possibly in the history of conflict with their adversary, he added. Moreover, he pledged retaliation: "Revenge will ensue." When, where, and how will become apparent upon further evaluation.
Israeli warplanes over Beirut
Nasrallah stated that the hostilities on the Lebanese-Israeli border would persist while the strife in Gaza persisted. Hezbollah acknowledged Israel's technological superiority - "particularly given its backing from the US and the West." During the speech, Israeli warplanes cruised at a low altitude over the capital, Beirut, breaking the sound barrier. Beirut's southern suburb witnessed mock assaults by Israeli aircraft, as per eyewitnesses.
Nasrallah sought to forestall the reentry of Israeli civilians to the border region, stating that such a goal would not be accomplished via further military escalation. He expressed hope that Israel would attempt to infiltrate Lebanon's south, assuming that would provide a historic opportunity for Hezbollah. He indicated that the combat readiness of the militia had risen. The organizational structures and infrastructure had not suffered any damage as a result of the attacks.
On Wednesday, hundreds of walkie-talkie radios were torn apart in Lebanon, prompted by the explosion of hundreds of pagers, widely known as "beepers," used by Hezbollah members, the day prior. According to the Health Minister, Firass Abiad, fifty-seven lives were claimed in the initial wave of detonations, while an additional fifty-five perished in a second wave on Wednesday. Of the Wednesday fatalities, at least twenty are confirmed Hezbollah members.
The following paragraphs shall apply to the aftermath of the explosions, as Nasrallah addressed the public, stating, "This heinous act is akin to a declaration of war." Furthermore, he pledged, "Revenge will ensue. When, where, and how will become apparent upon further evaluation."
