Editorial 18.09.24
Thursday’s front pages report on a variety of domestic and international stories with the attack against Hezbollah being one of the most popular stories splashed on the front.
‘Shocking attack against Hezbollah,’ writes Le Monde.
The main story on the front page of Le Monde discusses a ‘shocking attack’ in Lebanon involving booby-trapped pagers targeting Hezbollah members. The incident took place on Tuesday, September 17, where hundreds of pagers exploded simultaneously, resulting in at least nine deaths and 2,800 injuries, according to the current report.
The attack specifically targeted Hezbollah personnel, with Israel being attributed responsibility due to the unprecedented level of sophistication. This operation is set against a backdrop of escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, who have been engaged in conflict for years. Hezbollah, the Lebanese Shiite party and its military wing, may retaliate against Israel for what is seen as a serious blow against their group.
The headline reads: “Lebanon in shock after booby-trapped pager attack against Hezbollah.”
‘Lethal electronic warfare,’ says El Mundo.
The lead story for El Mundo reports Israel has unleashed a new conflict, this time in Lebanon. The paper says the “unprecedented incidents of recent days” have once again raised fears of the outbreak of an open war in Lebanon, against which Israel had already stepped up its rhetoric in the previous days, insisting on the need to end Hezbollah’s presence on the border.
The headline reads: “Israel shocks Hezbollah with lethal electronic warfare.”
‘Lebanon on the brink,’ claims La Repubblica.
La Repubblica also leads on the latest in the Middle East, reporting Israel’s attention has shifted to the northern front as a “new phase” of the war begins, according to Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. “The centre of gravity is shifting to the north. We are diverting forces, resources and energy,” Gallant told Israeli Air Force personnel at Ramat David Air Base, in statements published by his office and reported by The Times of Israel.
The headline reads: “Lebanon on the brink of war.”
‘More deaths and explosions’ says Frankfurter Allgemeine.
Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung also reports on the story, saying a recent explosion in Lebanon involving “detonation devices” or “explosive devices” which caused widespread damage during a funeral procession. The article highlights the political and diplomatic reactions, mentioning criticism from figures such as EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, who condemned the “reckless collateral damage” and raised concerns over the escalation of tensions in Lebanon. The explosion is linked to the broader regional conflict involving Hezbollah, Israel, and their allies, with potential international ramifications.
The headline reads: “More deaths and injuries after radio explosions.”
‘Approval rating for Harris surges,’ writes The Irish Times.
The main story on the front page of The Irish Times covers a significant shift in political approval ratings in Ireland. The approval rating for Simon Harris, a member of Fine Gael, has surged by 17 points to 55%, while Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald’s popularity has sharply declined by 6 points, leaving her at 30%. This change is based on the latest Irish Times/Ipsos opinion poll.
Fine Gael has seen a rise in overall party support by 4 points, reaching 27%, while Sinn Féin’s support dropped by 3 points to 20%. Fianna Fáil saw a slight decrease of 1 point, now at 19%. This political shift is likely to increase pressure on the government, especially on Simon Harris, to call for an election after the upcoming budget, as these approval ratings may impact the party’s political strategy.
The headline reads: “Approval rating for Harris surges as McDonald declines sharply.”