Israel warns Lebanon of prospect of ‘all-out war’ as U.S. seeks to de-escalate hostilities
CNBCJUN 2024
Lebanon: Pagers Explode Killing, Injuring Thousands of Hezbollah Members and Civilians
Above: Ambulances are surrounded by people at the entrance of the American University of Beirut Medical Center, on September 17, 2024, after explosions hit locations in several Hezbollah strongholds around Lebanon. Image copyright: Anwar Amro/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-Israel narrative
Though Israel has not taken credit for this well-planned operation, it should demonstrate to Hezbollah and its patrons in Tehran that it cannot withstand an Israeli assault. The group's highly-trained and well-equipped ranks have been thrown into chaos, and its vulnerability has never been so clear. Hezbollah should end its terrorist attacks on Israel if it seeks to protect Lebanon.
Pro-Iran narrative
This attack against Lebanon is a clear example of Israeli terrorism in the region and its disregard for human life. Both Lebanese authorities and Hezbollah will investigate the security failures that led to this attack, and a response is guaranteed. Hezbollah is ready and able to defend Lebanon from Israeli aggression.