J Street’s Response to Hezbollah Pager Explosions

Israel has every right to counter threats from Hezbollah and other terrorist groups which have repeatedly attacked the country and seek its destruction. Hezbollah’s terror tactics and indiscriminate rocket fire – which have forced the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents in northern Israel – are a clear violation of international law. Every country has the right to use force – even lethal force – in accordance with international law against imminent threats in self-defense.

However, short-term, tactical successes don’t necessarily advance longer-term strategic goals.

While the covert dispersal and detonation of explosives in pagers and other electronic devices may have succeeded operationally, it also escalated the chances of an all-out regional war that could jeopardize the security of millions of people – including Israelis – and could draw American forces into another war in the Middle East. Innocent civilians too end up caught in the crossfire – including women and children killed in this week’s attacks.

This attack could significantly undermine diplomatic efforts underway – US officials in the region working tirelessly with partners to end the escalatory cycle between Israel and Hezbollah and salvage the prospects for a Gaza ceasefire – and intensify existing tensions. We stand in solidarity with all Israelis in believing that the residents of northern Israel displaced by Hezbollah’s rockets and terror must be able to safely return home.

We urge all parties to step back from the brink and to avoid actions that risk igniting a broader and uncontrollable conflict. We urge the United States and other mediators to redouble efforts to identify a political and diplomatic path forward toward ending the war, bringing the hostages home and avoiding the possibility of an even deadlier and broader conflict.