Israel declares ‘new phase’ of war amid device blasts across Lebanon

Hours after electronic devices, including hand-held radios used by armed group Hezbollah, exploded in Lebanon, Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant announced that Tel Aviv’s focus has moved to the northern front as a “new phase of the war is beginning.”

“The center of gravity is shifting to the north by diverting resources and forces. We are at the start of a new phase in the war — it requires courage, determination, and perseverance,” Gallant said, while speaking to Israeli troops on Wednesday, news agency AP stated.

However, Gallant did not directly address the mysterious explosions of electronic devices in Lebanon. Instead, he praised the efforts of Israel’s army and security agencies, stating, “the results are very impressive.”

Explosions targeting walkie-talkies used by Hezbollah have killed at least fourteen people and wounded at least 300 across Lebanon. This follows an attack a day earlier, where at least 12 people were killed and more than 2,800 injured by exploding pagers, with the assault being attributed to Israel.

Hezbollah and the Lebanese government have blamed Israel for the attacks, with the former threatening a “fair punishment” for the explosions.

Israel has not claimed responsibility for either of the attacks so far, but reports suggest it may have placed explosives in thousands of pagers purchased by Hezbollah.

To date, the only response from the Israeli Ministry of Defence has been to relocate the 98th Division — previously engaged in operations in the Gaza Strip — to northern Israel. This move follows the cabinet’s decision to concentrate most of the military’s resources in the region. The 98th Division will join the 36th Division, which has been stationed in northern Israel for several months, The Guardian reported.

Additionally, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has opted to deploy a limited number of reserves in the north, including personnel from air defence, the Home Front Command, and the Medical Corps.

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