September 20, 2024: In a significant escalation of hostilities in the region, Israeli warplanes launched a series of airstrikes on Thursday, destroying approximately 1,000 rocket launcher barrels linked to Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) reported that around 100 launchers were targeted, a move seen as a preemptive measure to thwart imminent rocket fire towards Israeli territory.

The airstrikes came just hours after Hezbollah's leader, Hassan Nasrallah, issued a stern warning of "tough retribution and just punishment" following recent Israeli attacks that disrupted the group's communication infrastructure. These attacks involved explosives hidden in pagers and walkie-talkies, which reportedly detonated remotely, raising significant concerns over security protocols within Lebanon.

In a letter addressed to the United Nations Security Council, Lebanese authorities claimed that the communication devices had been rigged with explosives prior to their entry into the country. The letter accused Israel of orchestrating these attacks, further intensifying the already fraught relations between the two nations.

While Israel has not officially acknowledged its involvement in the detonation of the communication devices, security sources suggest that the operation may have been carried out by Mossad, Israel’s renowned intelligence agency. The absence of confirmation from Israeli officials adds a layer of uncertainty to the unfolding situation.