Israeli forces on high alert following deadly pager explosions in Lebanon: senior commander

JERUSALEM, Sept. 18 (Xinhua) — A senior Israeli commander stated on Wednesday that Israeli forces are “at peak readiness” along the Israel-Lebanon border, following a day in which thousands of pagers exploded across Lebanon in an alleged Israeli attack.
“We are determined to change the security reality as soon as possible,” said Ori Gordin, commander of the Israeli Northern Command, after two brigade exercises focused on simulating ground combat in Lebanese terrain.
The military’s statement noted that the exercises included operations in enemy territory, evacuating wounded under fire, coordinating various headquarters, and defending the northern region.
“There is full commitment from the commanders and troops here, who are at peak readiness for any mission they may be assigned,” Gordin said.
Additionally, the Israeli army said it has moved the 98th Division, previously engaged in combat in the Gaza Strip, to the Israel-Lebanon border. This shift follows a decision by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s cabinet to concentrate most military capabilities in the northern region.
On Tuesday, at least 12 people, including two children, were killed and nearly 3,000 injured when handheld pagers used by Hezbollah members detonated simultaneously across Lebanon. Reports of further pager explosions emerged on Wednesday afternoon.
Israel has not claimed responsibility for Tuesday’s attacks. However, the Shin Bet, Israel’s domestic security agency, reported thwarting an assassination attempt on a former senior Israeli security official, alleging that Hezbollah planned to carry out the attack “in the next few days.” ■