LONDON Israel claims that a "new era" in its war against Hezbollah has now begun, days after shock attacks targeting the pagers and other communications devices of the Lebanon-based militant organisation.
"We are at the beginning of a new era in this war, and we need to adapt ourselves," Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant told military personnel during a tour of an Israeli Air Force base.
Mr Gallant did not elaborate on what he meant by a "new era". But his statement can be seen as an indirect admission that Israel was behind the exploding pagers and walkie-talkie devices, which killed dozens of people and wounded thousands in Lebanon.
The current assumption among military analysts is that these spectacular attacks on Hezbollah's communications equipment are just the start of a novel Israeli strategy, one which seeks to ratchet up the military pressure on Hezbollah and Iran, even if this risks a much wider Middle East war.
Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollah's chief, warned on Sept 19 that Israel's actions amounted to "a declaration of war".
Hezbollah has a far bigger arsenal of missiles and various projectiles aimed at Israel and is much more sophisticated in using them.
And while Hamas is confined to a small strip of land in Gaza, Hezbollah benefits from a much bigger base in Lebanon, where its battle-hardened troops dwarf in number and capabilities those of the Lebanese national army.
Furthermore, as the Middle East's most significant Shi'ite Muslim militia, Hezbollah also has the direct support and funding of Iran.
For these reasons, it is by now well-known that when the Gaza war erupted in October 2023 after the Hamas incursion into Israel, the Israeli government actually weighed the possibility of hitting Hezbollah first before turning to Hamas in Gaza.
Esta historia es de la edición September 20, 2024 de The Straits Times.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor ? Conectar
Esta historia es de la edición September 20, 2024 de The Straits Times.
Comience su prueba gratuita de Magzter GOLD de 7 días para acceder a miles de historias premium seleccionadas y a más de 9,000 revistas y periódicos.
Ya eres suscriptor? Conectar
HIT THE RAILS ON A BIKE
It is always a thrill to pull out of a train station and feel yourself picking up speed, wheels click-clacking over the rails.
From drugs, jail and bankruptcy to social enterprise cafe for ex-offenders
Drugs. Bankruptcy. Failed marriages. And prison. But Mr Matthew Poh is not letting his past define him.
Small Rain finds great intimacy amid medical isolation
How has the Covid-19 pandemic shaped literary fiction? American novelist Garth Greenwell's turn from two erotically charged novels set in Bulgaria to his latest – a pandemic novel set in the sexless emergency ward of an Iowa hospital – offers answers.
Grab Singapore's managing director listens to audiobooks
Mr Yee Wee Tang, 48, managing director of Grab Singapore, recently announced that the company has upgraded its Grab Benefits 2.0 programme and will spend $4 million a year on welfare for drivers and delivery workers who use the platform.
Japanese author inspired by external environs
Ko Shinjo is behind the novel that inspired Netflix hit Tokyo Swindlers
Gen Z couples say no to hawker centre first dates
In the light of a Bumble survey, The Sunday Times speaks to four couples to find out how dating etiquette has evolved over the years
Let's Talk About Death Who will care for my sister when I die?
Let's Talk About Death is a five-episode docuseries that follows several millennials and their loved ones as they navigate end-of-life planning, and seeks to kick-start honest conversations about death and dying well.
Maeder, kitefoiling get sweet Yeo's bundle deal
An already momentous year for Singapore's kitefoiler Maximilian Maeder got even better on Nov 9, when local food and beverage company Yeo Hiap Seng (Yeo's) extended their sponsorship deal by another four years from 2025 to 2028.
CAVENDISH'S FINAL RACE
Legend confirms that S'pore Criterium is his swansong - and he wants to claim it
Improving Chelsea can beat any team, says Maresca
UP FOR THE FIGHT