The situation in the Middle East has taken a dangerous turn after a series of deadly walkie-talkie blasts in Lebanon claimed the lives of at least 20 people. In response, Israel’s Defence Minister Yoav Gallant declared that the country is entering ‘a new phase’ of war.
Speaking at an air force base, Gallant stressed the need for courage, determination, and perseverance in this new phase, as quoted by Reuters. This escalation has heightened concerns about a potential full-scale war between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah, especially given the recent peace efforts in the region.
It’s important to remember that following the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war in October 2023, Hezbollah had issued strict instructions to its operatives to avoid using mobile phones to prevent Israeli breaches. They were told to rely solely on their own telecommunication systems to maintain communication and security.
The current situation underscores the fragility of peace in the region and the potential for a significant escalation in the conflict. The announcement of this ‘new phase’ by Israel raises serious questions about the future of the region and the implications for international security.