The recent surge in coordinated attacks in Lebanon has escalated tensions between Israel and Hezbollah to dangerously high levels. With at least 30 fatalities and hundreds injured, including the Iranian ambassador to Lebanon, the region finds itself on the brink of a new phase in the prolonged conflict.
One day after the initial pager explosions, walkie-talkies also detonated, intensifying the chaos. An Israeli general has declared that Israel is \"at the start of a new phase in the war,\" mirroring Hezbollah’s leader who characterized the attacks as a \"declaration of war.\"
Investigations have pointed to Gold Apollo, a small company based in the Taiwan region, as the source of the compromised pagers. The company’s president has redirected blame to a European agent with whom they have collaborated for three years, seeking to distance the firm from the malicious activities.
According to the Associated Press, the U.S. government was briefed by Israeli counterparts about the attacks, suggesting that America was unaware of the operations beforehand. This revelation could undermine the numerous U.S. appeals for restraint, casting doubt on its credibility in advocating for a ceasefire or peace agreement.
U.S. influence in the Middle East has long been questioned. Reports from Middle East Eye and The Washington Post highlight ongoing concerns about U.S. policies, emphasizing a preference for force and alliances with controversial regimes over addressing foundational conflicts like the Palestinian issue. These dynamics contribute to the fragile state of U.S. relations in the region, complicating efforts to achieve lasting stability.
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Spike in violence raises new questions about U.S.-Israeli relations
cgtn.com
