Simultaneous explosions in Lebanon linked to Israeli espionage: An unprecedented blow to Hezbollah
On the afternoon of September 17, daily life in Lebanon was abruptly shattered as hundreds of pagers exploded across the country, killing and wounding dozens. The devices, used by members of the Iran-backed Shiite group Hezbollah, were allegedly targeted in a covert operation widely attributed to Israel, though Israeli officials, following their standard protocol, neither confirmed nor denied involvement.
The attack, which also impacted Hezbollah’s operatives outside Lebanon, has raised serious concerns about the implications for the region’s already fragile security situation. International media and analysts suggest that Israel managed to infiltrate the supply chain of these communication devices, likely embedding miniature explosives in the pagers. Experts speculate that Israel may have even set up a shell company to supply Hezbollah with the rigged pagers, in an operation that seems straight out of a high-stakes espionage thriller.
A coordinated attack strikes Hezbollah
The explosions wreaked havoc in Hezbollah strongholds throughout Lebanon, from the southern Beirut suburbs to the Bekaa Valley, and even in Syria. The coordinated attacks claimed at least 37 lives, including civilians, and injured thousands. Among the wounded was Iran’s ambassador to Lebanon, further complicating the international ramifications of the assault.
The following day, on September 18, as Hezbollah held funerals for the victims, another series of blasts erupted. This time, the explosions came from walkie-talkies, another low-tech communication tool used by the group. The back-to-back attacks left Hezbollah reeling, leading its leader, Hassan Nasrallah, to admit the group had suffered an “unprecedented blow” while vowing retribution against Israel.
“This is a very serious blow on a tactical level, a very impressive and comprehensive one that affects the operational side, the cognitive side,” remarked Yoram Schweitzer, a former Israeli intelligence officer, now with the Institute for National Security Studies at Tel Aviv University.
Civilian casualties and international outrage
The explosions did not just target Hezbollah operatives. The attacks also claimed the lives of innocent bystanders, including a 10-year-old girl. Hospitals across Lebanon were overwhelmed with patients suffering from injuries to their hands and eyes, the most common wounds from the pager explosions. As civilians continue to pay the price, questions arise about the legality and morality of the operation.
“This is a breach that is extraordinarily hard to explain,” said Peter Harling, founder of the Synaps Lab think tank, noting that many of those affected were simply going about their daily lives.
UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk condemned the operation, stating that the indiscriminate targeting of civilians and Hezbollah members alike violates international human rights law. Similarly, Human Rights Watch’s Lama Fakih criticized the use of “booby traps,” noting their inherent risk to civilians, a violation under international humanitarian law.
The intricate web of espionage
Though the technology used in the attack was not cutting-edge, espionage experts are praising the logistical complexity behind it. The devices, supplied under the name Gold Apollo in Taiwan, were intercepted by Israeli services before reaching Hezbollah, according to security sources. The Taiwanese company has denied involvement, pointing instead to a Hungarian partner, BAC. Reports from The New York Times suggest that BAC was part of a larger Israeli front, with at least two other shell companies created to obscure the operation’s true origins.
These pagers, described as a “modern-day Trojan Horse” by intelligence sources, allowed Israel to strike at the heart of Hezbollah without a single soldier crossing the border.
A message to Hezbollah and Iran
While the operation is being hailed as an impressive tactical success, experts caution that it does not mark the end of Israel’s ongoing efforts to weaken Hezbollah. Schweitzer emphasized that while the operation delivered tactical gains, it was not yet a strategic victory. “It does not change the equation, it is not a decisive victory. But it sends another signal to Hezbollah, Iran, and others,” he said.
The attack comes amid heightened tensions between Hezbollah and Israel. Just a year earlier, Hezbollah’s ally, Hamas, launched an attack on Israel, sparking a prolonged conflict in Gaza. In recent months, Israeli forces and Hezbollah have exchanged fire across the border, adding to fears of a broader confrontation in the region.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant hinted that Israel’s focus may soon shift toward Lebanon, indicating that securing the northern front is now a key objective for the Israeli government.
As the situation continues to evolve, Lebanon faces uncertainty, with many fearing this latest escalation could lead to a more extensive Israeli military offensive in southern Lebanon. Meanwhile, Hezbollah is left to grapple with the devastating effects of an operation that has exposed vulnerabilities in its security apparatus and communications infrastructure.