Mossad, Israel's famed intelligence agency, has been behind one of the most audacious and chilling operations targeting Hezbollah militants, employing exploding pagers and walkie-talkies to deal heavy blows to the terror group’s command structure. This operation saw unprecedented attacks across Lebanon, which have changed the dynamics of the ever-volatile region.
According to recently retired Israeli intelligence officers appearing on CBS's 60 Minutes, the operation was the long-awaited culmination of over ten years of planning and deceitful execution. On September 17, 2023, thousands of pagers sold to Hezbollah operatives suddenly detonated, sending shockwaves through the group and resulting in numerous casualties.
Hezbollah militants, who believed they were utilizing cutting-edge technology, were left reeling when the very devices meant to facilitate communication became instruments of destruction. This event not only inflicted physical harm - with 30 reported dead and approximately 3,000 more injured - but it also sought to instill fear within the ranks of Hezbollah fighters, effectively fraying their morale and leadership.
The operation reportedly began over ten years ago when Mossad agents identified the need to weaponize communication devices used by Hezbollah. Former agent "Michael" shared insights on how they initially placed hidden explosives within walkie-talkies, which had been sold to the terror group without its knowledge. “We created a pretend world,” Michael said, emphasizing the deceptive strategy used against Hezbollah. “They had zero clue they were buying from the Mossad.”
Fast forward to 2022, and the operation entered its second phase: targeting pagers. Understanding Hezbollah's continued reliance on this outdated technology, Mossad set out to manufacture its own devices. Gabriel, another former agent, elaborated on the challenges faced, including the need to design pagers larger than typical models to accommodate the explosives without raising suspicion. After multiple tests on dummies, they determined the precise explosive charge needed to injure only the carrier.
To convince Hezbollah to adopt their devices, Mossad deployed fake advertisements online, portraying their pagers as advanced, durable, and indispensable. Gabriel noted how they went so far as to use YouTube to bolster their marketing strategy. “Robust, dustproof, and waterproof. This was how we sold it,” he explained, highlighting their strategic deception.
On the day of the explosions, chaos erupted across Lebanon as pagers detonated almost simultaneously. The resulting devastation was compounded the following day when walkie-talkies were triggered during funerals for the victims of the initial blasts. These measures sent ripples of shock and distress not only among Hezbollah fighters but also among their supporters, presenting Israel as technologically superior and menacing.
Importantly, the psychological ramifications of these attacks are being analyzed closely. Gabriel stated, “If you look at his eyes, he was defeated,” referencing Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah's response to the incidents. Following the attacks, Nasrallah appeared before his soldiers visibly shaken, which agents claim alters dynamics within the group as fear permeates their ranks.
Michael recounted the immediate aftermath, with Lebanese citizens hesitant to use their air conditioners. “There is real fear,” he remarked, indicating how the psychological warfare has unsettled the collective consciousness surrounding Hezbollah’s operations.
While the operation has undeniably weakened Hezbollah's capabilities—leaving it with little command structure and low morale—experts warn against considering the group entirely defeated. Gabriel cautioned, “It’s just put them in a very difficult situation. They’re asking, begging for ceasefire.”
These revelations of intelligence strategies against Hezbollah come amid heightened conflict stemming from the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel, which sparked broader military responses across the region. The current state of affairs indicates the operation had not only immediate physical consequences but also shifted the battlefield’s psychological undercurrents.
Mossad’s advanced intelligence capabilities continue to keep Hezbollah and other factions on their toes, reminding them of the potentially devastating consequences of underestimations. This suspense entwined with technology exemplifies the new age of warfare, where the battlefield often extends beyond traditional combat zones and intertwines with the very weapons of communication.
Although the timing and nature of future operations remain uncertain, Michael conveyed, “We can’t use the pagers again because we already did all of this. We’ve moved on to the next thing,” leaving Hezbollah to ponder just what might come next.
