Hezbollah chief says device explosions in Lebanon “declaration of war”

People listen to a speech by Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah on screen in Beirut, Lebanon, on Sept. 19, 2024. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah said on Thursday that the explosions in Lebanon on Tuesday and Wednesday, which targeted communication devices, amounted to “an act of war and a declaration of war by Israel.” (Xinhua/Bilal Jawich)
BEIRUT, Sept. 19 (Xinhua) — Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah said on Thursday that the explosions in Lebanon on Tuesday and Wednesday, which targeted communication devices, amounted to “an act of war and a declaration of war by Israel.”
Accusing Israel of crossing “all red lines,” Nasrallah said that the devices used in the attacks are still under investigation but emphasized that the attacks would not weaken Hezbollah.
“We will grow stronger and more capable of facing any dangers,” he said, reaffirming that Hezbollah would continue its resistance against Israel, particularly in relation to Gaza.
Nasrallah also vowed to retaliate, stating, “We will retaliate, and I won’t specify when or where. You will not hear about it, but you will witness it.”
Shortly after Nasrallah’s speech, Israeli jets broke the sound barrier over Beirut.
The Israeli military confirmed on Thursday that it had approved “plans for the continuation of the war” in Lebanon against Hezbollah, and launched a new wave of airstrikes targeting Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon, saying the strikes aimed to degrade the group’s capabilities.
Lebanese Health Minister Firas Abiad said the death toll from the explosions across Lebanon had risen to 37, with 2,931 people injured.
No Israeli officials have claimed responsibility for the blasts, though Hezbollah has attributed them to Israel.
Tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border have intensified since October 8, 2023, when Hezbollah launched rockets at Israel in solidarity with Hamas. Israel responded with artillery fire into southeastern Lebanon. The conflict has since resulted in significant casualties on both sides. ■

People listen to a speech by Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah on screen in Beirut, Lebanon, on Sept. 19, 2024. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah said on Thursday that the explosions in Lebanon on Tuesday and Wednesday, which targeted communication devices, amounted to “an act of war and a declaration of war by Israel.” (Xinhua/Bilal Jawich)

Photo taken on Sept. 19, 2024 shows Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in a televised speech in Beirut, Lebanon. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah said on Thursday that the explosions in Lebanon on Tuesday and Wednesday, which targeted communication devices, amounted to “an act of war and a declaration of war by Israel.” (Xinhua/Bilal Jawich)