US denied involvement in attacks on Hezbollah devices in Lebanon
White House National Security Spokesperson John Kirby (photo: Getty Images)
The US is not involved in the incidents involving the detonation of communication devices in Lebanon and supports a diplomatic resolution to the conflict, states White House National Security Spokesperson John Kirby.
"We were not involved in yesterday's incidents or today's in any way," he said.
Kirby added that the U.S. desires an end to the conflict in the Middle East and will continue to work to prevent the escalation of tensions.
"We still believe, for instance, that there is a diplomatic path forward particularly up near Lebanon. And we still believe that while it is increasingly difficult and we're certainly no closer to finality that we believe a ceasefire deal and a negotiation to get the hostages out is still the best outcome. And we're going to keep pursuing that," the White House spokesperson stated.
Escalation between Israel and Lebanon
Since the onset of the large-scale military operation in the Gaza Strip in October 2023, the Hezbollah group has been regularly shelling northern Israel from southern Lebanon. In response, the Israeli military has conducted counterattacks.
In the past two days, Lebanon has experienced a surge of detonations involving communication devices.
On September 17, hundreds of pagers belonging to individuals suspected of being affiliated with Hezbollah exploded across the country.
On Wednesday, September 18, there was a widespread detonation of radios, mobile phones, laptops, and other gadgets and electronic devices throughout Lebanon.
According to media reports, explosive devices were planted by agents of the Israeli intelligence agency Mossad.
Israel has officially announced a new phase in the war against Hezbollah and plans a military operation in southern Lebanon.
