Israel has frequently targeted what it calls Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon despite a U.S.-brokered truce which took effect in November following more than a year of conflict.

Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that Israel's conflict with Hezbollah may lead to peace with Lebanon and Syria, noting progress in discussions with Syrians.

This week’s pager explosions in Lebanon represent a tactical victory for Israel. They also appear likely to lock the region into an escalatory spiral.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that Israel's war with Lebanese militant group Hezbollah had created the possibility for peace with neighbouring Lebanon and Syria. Syria and Israel have technically been at war since 1948,