Mossad's daring plan to cripple Hezbollah using deceptive tactics has shaken the group and shifted the regional power dynamics. Executed on September 17, 2024, the Israeli intelligence agency cleverly implemented the 'Pager Plot', selling thousands of rigged pagers to Hezbollah, which led to devastating explosions and widespread chaos.
The operation, revealed during a recent interview on 60 Minutes with two former Mossad agents, was part of Israel's long-standing strategy to disrupt its enemies. According to Michael, one of the former agents, "A walkie-talkie was a weapon just like a bullet or a missile." Mossad had previously weaponized walkie-talkies, showcasing their innovative tactical thinking.
Building upon their past successes, Mossad shifted their focus to pagers about two years ago; these devices were still widely used by Hezbollah for communication due to their simplicity and resistance to hacking. Gabriel, another former Mossad agent, explained why this was effective, stating, "Hezbollah still uses pagers because they're simple and difficult to hack." This made pagers ideal targets for Mossad's plans.
The strategy entailed not just selling these devices, but rigging them so they could detonate upon activation. Mossad agents modified commercially available pagers, embedding explosives within their batteries, ensuring they remained fully functional. To market them effectively, the agency even created fake ads promoting the pagers as "robust, dustproof, and waterproof," which initially faced skepticism from their superiors who doubted they could sell such bulky devices.
The operation culminated on September 17, when Mossad remotely activated the explosives contained within the pagers. Gabriel revealed, "If they didn’t push the buttons, it would still explode," indicating the high level of deception involved. The coordinated blasts across Lebanon resulted not only in physical injuries but also left psychological scars on the Hezbollah fighters, with Michael recounting how fear permeated their ranks: "People were afraid to turn on their air conditioners the next day because they thought they might explode."
The immediate aftermath of the explosions was catastrophic for Hezbollah, with approximately 3,000 operatives injured and 30 killed. These figures underscored the success of the operation, which aimed to inflict chaos and demoralization rather than outright destruction. Gabriel reflected on the intent behind their actions, clarifying, "The aim wasn’t to kill; it was to leave Hezbollah with thousands of wounded, proof of our superiority."
This operation had wider regional ramifications, significantly undermining Iran’s influence by severely crippling Hezbollah, its most powerful proxy. Michael noted this shift, saying, "Hezbollah is looking around and realizing they are isolated." The operation, which contributed to destabilizing Syria, demonstrated how the Israeli strategy was not only about immediate tactical gains but also about altering the long-term balance of power.
Days after the explosion, Hezbollah's leader Hassan Nasrallah appeared subdued during his public addresses, and ten days later suffered another blow when his bunker was bombed, resulting in his death. This sequence of events highlighted how Mossad's operation marked not only tactical success but also delivered strategic blows to Hezbollah’s leadership and morale.
While the success of the 'Pager Plot' was celebrated within Israeli circles, it also raised ethical questions about the methods utilized. During the 60 Minutes interview, correspondent Lesley Stahl probed the moral ramifications, asking, "What about Israel's moral reputation?" Gabriel responded with pragmatism, stating, "First, you defend your people, then you worry about reputation." This sentiment reflects the often complex ethical terrain in intelligence operations where national security is prioritized over public perception.
Overall, the operation restored Israel's sense of security amid rising tensions. With the successful detonation of the explosive pagers, Mossad sent a clear and impactful message: "Don’t mess with us." By leveraging both technology and psychological warfare, the intelligence agency has reinforced its reputation as one of the most formidable entities on the global stage.
The lasting effects of this audacious operation continue to resonate across the region, reminding all involved of the lengths to which Israel is willing to go to safeguard its security and sending shivers down the spines of its adversaries. Gabriel noted, "These wounded fighters are walking proof of our superiority," encapsulating the operation's duality as both a tactical victory and psychological maneuver against its enemies.
