Ex-Israeli Operatives Expose Hezbollah Pager Bombing Tactics
In a shocking revelation, two former agents of Israel’s Mossad have disclosed how Hezbollah, the Lebanese Shia militant group, unknowingly used booby-trapped Israeli-made communication devices for a decade before they were detonated in a coordinated surprise attack in September 2024.
Speaking to CBS News, the agents detailed a covert operation in which thousands of rigged walkie-talkies and pagers were sold to Hezbollah through shell companies and fake suppliers, disguising their true origins. The devices were armed with hidden explosives that caused devastating explosions when triggered remotely.
The attacks, which Israel claims were aimed at Hezbollah operatives, left dozens dead and thousands injured, including civilians. Lebanese officials and international observers condemned the attacks, with the United Nations human rights chief labeling them a “war crime.”
A Decade of Deception
The operation began over a decade ago, with Mossad planting explosive devices within the batteries of walkie-talkies sold to Hezbollah at attractive prices. “We created an intricate network of fake companies to supply the devices, ensuring nothing could be traced back to Israel,” explained one agent, identified as “Michael.”
Describing the operation, Michael likened it to a staged production: “We’re the writers, directors, producers, and actors. The world is our stage.”
Two years ago, the operation expanded to include pagers, exploiting Hezbollah’s reliance on devices purchased from a Taiwanese company. Mossad replicated these devices under the guise of the same brand, planting explosives within them.
Devastating Blasts Across Lebanon
On 17 September 2024, the plan culminated in a mass detonation. Thousands of pagers simultaneously exploded across Hezbollah-dominated regions of Lebanon, killing or injuring users and bystanders. Chaos spread as the explosions struck in public spaces like supermarkets.
The next day, rigged walkie-talkies detonated, claiming hundreds more lives. Hospitals were inundated with victims, many severely injured.
Mossad triggered the explosions amid growing fears that Hezbollah had begun to suspect the devices’ origins. A second former agent, “Gabriel,” explained the meticulous planning behind the attack, including selecting a specific ringtone designed to draw attention.
Fallout and International Outcry
The incident sent shockwaves across Lebanon, with reports suggesting that casualties included individuals close to Hezbollah’s leadership. Days later, Israel launched a major offensive against Hezbollah, including airstrikes and a ground invasion. The conflict escalated before a ceasefire was reached on 26 November.
Lebanon denounced the attacks as inhumane, while UN human rights chief Volker Turk expressed outrage, calling the method a violation of international law.
The revelations shed light on the extent of Mossad’s covert operations, sparking global debate over the ethics and consequences of such tactics in modern warfare.
