Israeli Defense Minister Warns Hezbollah of Increasing Consequences Amid Escalating Tensions
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant warned on Thursday that Hezbollah would “pay an increasing price” as Israel continues its efforts to secure its northern border and make conditions safe for residents to return home. Gallant’s remarks followed a series of strikes exchanged between Israel and Hezbollah, with Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah vowing retaliation for an Israeli bombing attack in Lebanon.
“Our goal is to ensure the safe return of Israel’s northern communities to their homes. As time goes by, Hezbollah will pay an increasing price,” Gallant said, emphasizing that Israel’s military actions would persist.
Read: Florida Sens Scott, Rubio Condemn UN Resolution Targeting Israel, Call for Focus On Terrorist Groups
On September 18, Israel targeted Hezbollah’s communications infrastructure by destroying thousands of handheld two-way radios across Lebanon. The attack killed at least 20 people and injured over 450.
This follows a similar attack on September 17, when Israel detonated thousands of pagers, injuring more than 2,800 people, including Iranian Ambassador to Lebanon, Mojtaba Amani. Some of the radios in the September 18 attack reportedly exploded during funerals for Hezbollah members killed in the previous pager detonations.
According to unnamed U.S. officials, Israel carried out the first pager attack over concerns that Hezbollah might soon discover the rigged devices. Israel then launched the second attack to prevent Hezbollah from identifying the remaining compromised communications equipment.
Around 5,000 pagers had been brought into Lebanon five months ago as part of an effort to update older devices. Reports suggest that Israel intercepted these devices at some point in the supply chain and planted explosives within them. Sources say the radios contained more explosives than the pagers, with the pagers carrying one to two ounces of explosive material.
Read: Florida Rep. Greg Steube Introduces PAGER Act To Block U.S. Funding From Reaching Hezbollah
The destruction of Hezbollah’s communication systems leaves the group scrambling to reestablish reliable tactical communications in the event of an Israeli ground offensive into Lebanon. Hezbollah had adopted pagers for internal communication after its leader, Hassan Nasrallah, advised members in early 2024 to avoid using cell phones due to concerns about Israeli surveillance.
With limited options to restore long-range communication, Hezbollah may have to rely on couriers, landlines, satellite phones, or older tactical radio systems. However, each method poses significant risks, such as slow communication, vulnerability to Israeli interception, or high costs.
Hezbollah has vowed to retaliate for the Israeli attacks, with the speed at which they can reestablish communications likely determining how effectively they can respond to further Israeli operations.
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Android Users: Download our free app to stay up-to-date on the latest news.
Connect with us: Follow the Tampa Free Press on Facebook and Twitter for breaking news and updates.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.