Two ex-Israeli intelligence agents reveal how Hezbollah was unwittingly supplied with explosive-laden walkie-talkies and pagers, leading to devastating attacks in Lebanon this September.
Ex-Israeli Agents Unveil Details on Booby-Trapped Pager Attacks in Lebanon
Ex-Israeli Agents Unveil Details on Booby-Trapped Pager Attacks in Lebanon
Former Mossad operatives disclose shocking tactics behind Hezbollah's surprise international attack.
In a startling revelation, two former Israeli intelligence agents have disclosed how the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah inadvertently fell victim to a deceptive operation that involved explosive-laden walkie-talkies and pagers manufactured in Israel. According to the agents, who spoke to CBS News, Hezbollah unknowingly purchased over 16,000 rigged devices, which transformed into lethal weapons during surprise attacks that resulted in substantial casualties. The initial incidents took place on 17 September, when thousands of pagers exploded across areas in Lebanon known for their strong Hezbollah presence, leading to numerous injuries and deaths.
The agents provided insights into the elaborate scheme orchestrated by Mossad, Israel's national intelligence agency. The operation spanned over a decade, during which Hezbollah was tricked into acquiring these dangerous devices from a fictitious company. The first agent, referred to as Michael, noted that the explosive devices were intricately concealed within batteries, strategically positioned to inflict maximum harm on the user. The second agent, called Gabriel, elaborated on how the operation expanded to include pagers. Mossad established a false company that marketed these devices under the guise of a Taiwanese supplier, Gold Apollo, before equipping them with explosives.
After Hezbollah sourced 5,000 of the explosive-laden pagers by September 2024, Mossad initiated the detonation remotely, when concerns arose that Hezbollah might begin to suspect a deception. The subsequent blasts echoed throughout Lebanon, overwhelming hospitals with injuries, many of them severe. In the aftermath, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged Israel’s responsibility for the attacks. The international community, including the UN’s human rights chief, condemned the actions as violations of humanitarian law.
The terrifying series of events escalated tensions in the region, with Israel launching airstrikes against Hezbollah targets shortly after the attacks, leading to a ground invasion. A ceasefire was eventually agreed upon on 26 November. This operation highlights not only the lengths to which intelligence agencies may go in modern warfare but also raises profound ethical and legal questions surrounding such covert tactics.
The agents provided insights into the elaborate scheme orchestrated by Mossad, Israel's national intelligence agency. The operation spanned over a decade, during which Hezbollah was tricked into acquiring these dangerous devices from a fictitious company. The first agent, referred to as Michael, noted that the explosive devices were intricately concealed within batteries, strategically positioned to inflict maximum harm on the user. The second agent, called Gabriel, elaborated on how the operation expanded to include pagers. Mossad established a false company that marketed these devices under the guise of a Taiwanese supplier, Gold Apollo, before equipping them with explosives.
After Hezbollah sourced 5,000 of the explosive-laden pagers by September 2024, Mossad initiated the detonation remotely, when concerns arose that Hezbollah might begin to suspect a deception. The subsequent blasts echoed throughout Lebanon, overwhelming hospitals with injuries, many of them severe. In the aftermath, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged Israel’s responsibility for the attacks. The international community, including the UN’s human rights chief, condemned the actions as violations of humanitarian law.
The terrifying series of events escalated tensions in the region, with Israel launching airstrikes against Hezbollah targets shortly after the attacks, leading to a ground invasion. A ceasefire was eventually agreed upon on 26 November. This operation highlights not only the lengths to which intelligence agencies may go in modern warfare but also raises profound ethical and legal questions surrounding such covert tactics.
