After a second wave of deadly explosions targeting pro-Iran militants in Lebanon, Israel said it was now turning its attention to Hezbollah.
During his visit to the Ramat David airbase in northern Israel, Israeli Defense Minister, Yoav Gallanttold troops on Wednesday that Israel was turning its attention to Hezbollah.
“The center of gravity is moving to the north, this means that we are diverting forces, resources, energy to the north, we have not forgotten the hostages and we have not forgotten our tasks in the south (Gaza Strip), this is our duty and we are fulfilling it at the same time”he said.
Fears of a further escalation into a full-scale war have grown within 48 hours of a new wave of explosions in Lebanon that killed dozens of people and injured thousands.
Just a day after the deadly explosions of booby-trapped pagers carried by Hezbollah militants, a second wave of explosions occurred on Wednesday. This time, walkie-talkies exploded, killing 20 people and injuring more than 450 across the country.
Although the Israeli military has not confirmed its involvement, it is widely believed that the attacks were carried out by Israel against the militant group Hezbollah. The militant group and Israel have been at loggerheads for more than 11 months amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.
The United States has denied any involvement in either operation. White House Security Council spokesman John Kirby said Washington still believes in the diplomatic route. “We believe that a ceasefire agreement followed by negotiations to get the hostages out remains the best outcome. And we will continue on this path.”he adds.
The Japanese company that manufactured the devices is defending itself
Pointed out after the second wave of explosions, Icomthe Japanese walkie-talkie maker, said Thursday that the incriminated devices had not been produced since “about ten years.”
“The IC-V82 is a portable radio that was produced and exported, including to the Middle East, from 2004 to October 2014. It was discontinued about 10 years ago, and since then it has not been shipped by our company.”the company said in a statement.
“Production of batteries required to operate the main unit has also been halted, and the holographic seal to distinguish counterfeit products has not been identified, so it is not possible to confirm whether the product was shipped by our company.”the company also said.
