Japan-based Walkie-talkie company investigates connection to explosions in Lebanon; Israel announces commencement of a ‘new chapter’ in conflict.

Two days of explosions in Lebanon have led to the deaths of at least 37 people, with Israel declaring a “new phase” in the conflict, sparking fears of all-out war. The strikes targeted walkie-talkies and pagers used by Hezbollah, causing chaos within the group and rattling Lebanon. Israel also carried out strikes in southern Lebanon and exchanged fire with Hezbollah along the border. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant indicated a shift in focus to the northern border. Israel notified the U.S. of its plans in Lebanon, but details were not given, catching the U.S. by surprise. Lebanese officials blame Israel for the attacks, with the foreign minister seeking assistance from the U.N. Security Council. The Lebanese civil aviation agency has banned the transportation of pagers and walkie-talkies via airlines and freight cargo. The exploding devices have been identified as Icom V82 walkie-talkies, with the Japanese manufacturer denying any involvement in tampering with the products. The investigation has led to a company registered in Bulgaria and a Taiwanese manufacturer being scrutinized. Hungarian officials clarified that the Hungarian company, BAC Consulting, is only an intermediary and none of the pagers were in Hungary. The situation is still under investigation as the origins of the tampered devices are being determined.

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