In an exclusive interview with LBC, the former Israeli Prime Minister has said that 20 deaths is "not a disaster" after 21 people - including two children - were killed in two waves of blasts across Lebanon.

Yesterday, exploding pagers killed 12 with a further nine killed by exploding walkie-talkies today.

Almost 3,000 were taken to hospital with at least 300 injured today.

Speaking to LBC's Andrew Marr on Wednesday, Ehud Barak said: "Even if some innocent people were killed, that's a pity.

"But unfortunately out of 5000 explosions, about 20 people killed. It's probably painful but that's not a disaster."

Mr Barak also did not admit Israeli culpability for the blasts.
"Israel never took responsibility for this event, I can't add to this," he said.

He also added that the country doesn't have "any interest" in a full scale war with Hezbollah.

"I think that a lot of consideration about how to respond to Israel - Israel doesn't have any interest in a full scale war with Hezbollah.

"Neither side wants that... but there has been a continuation of.. direct fire into our cities and towns along the border for 10 months.

"As long as this does not stop...there will be an operation to put an end to it."

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