In a dramatic escalation of tensions, Israel is suspected of carrying out a series of attacks on Hezbollah fighters in Lebanon and Syria, detonating communication devices loaded with explosives. The attacks, which resulted in significant casualties, have raised questions about the extent of Israel’s capabilities and the potential for further conflict in the region.
According to reports by Axios, three US officials confirmed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu authorized the detonation of RDX-loaded pagers and walkie-talkies after intelligence suggested Hezbollah may have discovered Israel’s plot. Thousands of pagers exploded on September 17, leaving over 3,000 injured and at least 26 dead, including Hezbollah fighters. The following day, more electronic devices, including walkie-talkies, detonated during a funeral in Lebanon, indicating a second wave of targeted attacks.
The method of how Israel allegedly tampered with the devices remains under investigation. Some reports suggest that Israeli interference occurred during the supply chain before the devices were imported into Lebanon, while others indicate that Mossad agents may have planted small explosives within the devices.
The fact that Hezbollah was using outdated pagers for communication has fueled speculation about the motives behind their choice. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah previously warned his fighters about potential hacking attempts by Israel on Lebanese cell networks. Fearing that mobile devices could be used to track their movements or carry out attacks, they opted for the older pagers. Pagers operate on a different wireless network than mobile phones, making them more resilient in times of emergency and less susceptible to interception.
While Israel has not officially confirmed its involvement in the attacks, an anonymous US official told the Associated Press that Israel briefed the US on the operation. The incident highlights the ongoing struggle between Israel and Hezbollah, with both sides employing increasingly sophisticated methods to gain an advantage in the complex geopolitical landscape of the Middle East.
