Two retired senior Israeli intelligence officers have revealed new details about a covert operation aimed at Hezbollah, which used explosive pagers and walkie-talkies to target the group in Lebanon and Syria. The operation, designed to undermine Hezbollah’s operations and leadership, culminated in deadly explosions in September 2023, injuring and killing dozens of Hezbollah operatives.
Speaking to CBS News, the former agents, who remained anonymous by wearing masks and altering their voices, explained how the operation spanned several years. The agents revealed that the plan began over a decade ago with walkie-talkies rigged with explosives, sold to Hezbollah under the guise of legitimate business. In 2022, the operation evolved when Mossad learned that Hezbollah was purchasing pagers from a Taiwanese company. The pagers were modified to include hidden explosives, and through a series of deceptive marketing tactics, Hezbollah was convinced to use the altered devices.
One of the agents, referred to as “Michael,” explained how Mossad created a “false world” to deceive Hezbollah into buying the rigged devices. The agents used shell companies and fake advertisements to promote the devices as high-quality, dustproof, and waterproof, making them appear as safe as regular pagers. Once the devices were in Hezbollah’s hands, Mossad triggered the explosions remotely, killing over two dozen operatives in a matter of hours.
The agents noted the psychological impact on Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, who they claimed witnessed the explosions close to his position, leading to a significant blow to his morale. “He already lost the war,” one agent said, referring to Nasrallah’s subsequent speech, where the leader appeared defeated.
The operation not only targeted Hezbollah fighters but also aimed to send a message: Israel’s superiority in the region and its ability to penetrate Hezbollah’s operations undetected. The agents stated that the purpose of the attack was to destabilize Hezbollah’s ranks, with the explosive devices serving as a stark reminder of Israel’s capabilities.
Following the pager explosions, Israeli airstrikes targeted Hezbollah positions in Lebanon, leading to further casualties. Nasrallah’s leadership was reportedly shaken, and the operation marked a pivotal moment in the broader conflict involving Hezbollah, Israel, and the Iran-backed militant group.
The agents emphasized that the operation was as much about psychological warfare as it was about physical destruction, noting that the fear and uncertainty created by the attacks were intended to cripple Hezbollah’s confidence and instill fear in its operatives. They also hinted at further clandestine operations, leaving Hezbollah to anticipate Israel’s next move.