Israel’s recent attacks in Lebanon and Syria have caused significant casualties, with at least 37 people dead and over 3,000 wounded. The explosions, which were triggered by pagers, walkie-talkies, and solar equipment, have raised concerns among experts in international law. While Israel has not claimed responsibility for the attacks, multiple U.S. officials have suggested their involvement.
Brian Finucane, a former State Department legal adviser, emphasized that if Israel is responsible, they would need to answer tough questions regarding their compliance with the laws of war. He pointed out that the use of explosive devices disguised as harmless portable objects is prohibited under international law. Both Israel and Lebanon have agreed to this prohibition. Finucane questioned whether modifying pagers and walkie-talkies with explosive material would meet the criteria set by the law.
The escalating tensions between Israel and Lebanon have led to a regional war, potentially involving Iran, Iraq, Syria, Turkey, Yemen, and the U.S. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been accused of widening the conflict to strengthen his grip on power. The recent pager and walkie-talkie attacks are seen as evidence of further escalation.
Israel’s Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated that the country is entering a new phase in the war, with the center of gravity shifting towards Lebanon. Both Netanyahu and Gallant already face potential arrest warrants from the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes committed during Israel’s war in Gaza.
Experts like Jessica Peake, an international law professor, believe that the recent attacks constitute indiscriminate and disproportionate violence. Israel has a history of assassinating its enemies across borders, and the scale of these attacks is unprecedented. The use of explosive electronics makes it difficult to assess targeting or intent.
Finucane called for the U.S. to use its leverage to achieve a ceasefire resolution in Gaza, which he believes is the root cause of the conflict in Lebanon and the wider region. He suggested that the U.S. should halt its military aid to Israel to push for a resolution and prevent further escalation.
In conclusion, the recent attacks in Lebanon and Syria, carried out through exploding electronics, have raised concerns among experts in international law. The involvement of Israel, although not officially claimed, has drawn attention to the country’s compliance with the laws of war. The escalating tensions between Israel and Lebanon, along with the potential involvement of other nations, highlight the need for a ceasefire resolution and de-escalation efforts.
