US State Department denies prior knowledge of Lebanon pager explosions amid Israeli operation reports

Washington DC (Quds News Network)- The US State Department has stated that it had “no prior knowledge” and was “not involved” in the recent explosions targeting pager devices used by Hezbollah members in Lebanon. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller claimed that the US is still gathering information about the incident but did not confirm Israeli involvement. However, Axios reporter Barak Ravid reported, “senior American officials told me that Israel is the one behind the explosions.”

The explosions, which have resulted in at least eight deaths, including a child, and injuries to over 2,750 others, have been widely reported as an Israeli intelligence operation. According to multiple US officials, Israel is believed to be behind the attack, although the State Department has yet to confirm this.

The attack, which targeted thousands of individuals in public places, leaving casualties among civilians, took place following security meetings in Israel earlier this week. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and senior security officials approved the operation shortly after US envoy Amos Hochstein’s visit, where he cautioned against a major escalation in Lebanon, reported Axios.

In response to the attack, Hezbollah has accused Israel and vowed retaliation. Israeli officials are on high alert for potential responses from Hezbollah and have adjusted their military goals to include ensuring the safe return of settlers along the Lebanese border.