Exploding Pagers

Hundreds of handheld pagers, including many used by Hezbollah militants, exploded (almost) simultaneously across Lebanon and Syria yesterday.

Detonating the pagers—Hezbollah’s preferred communication method to avoid Israeli tracking—threw the country into chaos and overloaded emergency services. At least nine people died, and over 2,780 others, including Hezbollah fighters and Iran’s ambassador to Lebanon, were injured.

American officials say Israel planted explosives beside the pagers' batteries in the Taiwan-sent shipment, detonating through a message sent to the pagers. Israel has not commented.

In other regional conflict, a Houthi missile reached central Israel for the first time ever earlier this week, landing in an uninhabited area after Israeli air defenses failed to intercept it. The Yemen-based Houthis said they used a new type of hypersonic missile; Israeli PM Netanyahu said the Houthis would pay a “heavy price.” 

(We’re also covering this story Thursday in Decaf, The Pour Over for Families. Sign up—for free—here.)

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CHRISTIAN PERSPECTIVWar is heavy and ugly and reminds us of the need for redemption through Christ. Jesus came to lighten our burdens and bring us unexplainable peace. Pray that the Middle East would experience the peace that comes through Christ alone.

“Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”
Philippians 4:6-7 (CSB) (read full passage)