This article has been updated with new details.

On Thursday, Lebanon faced heightened tensions following Israel’s defense minister’s announcement of a “new phase” in its conflict with Hamas in Gaza. This comes after explosions occurred involving the walkie-talkies and pagers used by Hezbollah fighters, resulting in at least 37 fatalities and thousands injured over the course of two days.

The Lebanese government and Hezbollah, which is supported by Iran and operates out of Lebanon, have both accused Israel of being behind the explosions affecting their communication tools. The blasts have led to severe injuries, including the loss of eyes and fingers, as well as serious abdominal injuries. While Israel has not responded to accusations about these attacks, various reports indicate that the Israeli spy agency Mossad might be responsible.

The enmity between Israel and Hezbollah, long-standing since their significant conflict in 2006, has intensified due to the ongoing war in Gaza. Since the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, many Israelis have evacuated northern areas as they face daily threats from Hezbollah missile attacks.

In a statement released on Wednesday, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant mentioned that the focus of the Israel-Hamas war is shifting northwards towards Lebanon. He noted that additional military personnel and resources are being deployed to the border.

“We are not confronting Hamas here – this situation is distinct, and we must adjust our strategies accordingly,” he stated.

The attacks on Hezbollah, irrespective of the perpetrator, represent a significant setback for the group, which has vowed to retaliate. In a televised speech on Thursday, Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, expressed that these incidents were “unprecedented” and constituted a “declaration of war” from Israel.

Nasrallah asserted, “The resistance in Lebanon will continue to support the people of Gaza and the West Bank.”

Speaking from an undisclosed location, Nasrallah’s address coincided with Israeli air strikes targeting Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon, alongside sonic booms from Israeli jets heard in Beirut.