Exploding pagers and walkie-talkies used in deadly Israeli operation against Hezbollah
- Two retired Israeli spies revealed details of an operation targeting Hezbollah militants using explosive devices.
- The operation, which involved fake purchases of harmful technology, began over a decade ago and escalated recently by detonating pagers.
- The goal was to instill fear in Hezbollah while conveying a message of vulnerability as part of a broader conflict strategy.
In a clandestine operation spanning over a decade, recently retired Israeli intelligence agents revealed how they targeted Hezbollah militants in Lebanon and Syria. The operation utilized exploding pagers and walkie-talkies, with the agents' identities concealed through altered voices and masks during an interview segment aired by CBS '60 Minutes.' The plan initiated ten years ago, involved duping Hezbollah into purchasing walkie-talkies unknowingly embedded with explosives. Initially, the operation involved detonating booby-trapped pagers on September 17, signaling a dramatic shift in the conflict landscape between Israel and Hezbollah. This operation was set in motion after Israeli intelligence discovered that Hezbollah started acquiring pagers from a Taiwan-based company, Gold Apollo. Israeli operatives used shell companies, including one in Hungary, to infiltrate the supply chain, convincing the Taiwanese firm that they were legitimate buyers. The plan was designed to convey a message to Hezbollah, emphasizing their vulnerabilities while minimizing casualties among fighters. The primary intent was to create chaos and insecurity rather than a high death toll, as noted by the agent known as Gabriel. The operation unfolded in the broader context of escalating tensions following the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. In retaliation, Hezbollah began its cross-border military actions against Israel. This led to a significant escalation in hostilities, with Hezbollah launching numerous attacks, while Israel broadened its military responses, ultimately resulting in a vicious cycle of violence between the two. By November 2023, the situation had transformed into a full-blown conflict with extensive casualties on both sides, igniting international criticism regarding the violence and its humanitarian implications. The aftermath of the operation saw Lebanese citizens living in fear of further explosive attacks. Many were hesitant to use everyday devices like air conditioners due to the heightened anxiety induced by the previous pager explosions. This strategic psychological warfare aimed not only to weaken Hezbollah militarily but also to instill a broader sense of fear and vulnerability within the community. Ultimately, the Israeli strategy seems to reflect a shift towards unconventional warfare, focusing on creating an atmosphere of insecurity that complicates Hezbollah's operational capabilities.