Rosalind Evans
Israel has been accused of orchestrating a sophisticated and devastating attack on Hezbollah by planting explosives inside the batteries of pagers sold to the group. According to Lebanese officials, this cutting-edge technology remained undetectable, leading to deadly explosions across Lebanon. This incident has shocked many, marking a new era in warfare where communication devices become lethal weapons.
Concealed Explosives and Catastrophic Blasts
Lebanese security officials revealed that Israel concealed explosives within pager batteries, which were detonated on September 17. Controlled explosions demonstrated how catastrophic the impact would have been on the Hezbollah members carrying them. “The explosive material was laced inside the lithium battery, and it was virtually undetectable,” one high-ranking Lebanese security official told CNN. Another official added, “I have never seen anything like it.”
The explosions occurred in two waves, targeting pagers first and walkie-talkies the following day. The blasts killed at least 37 people, including children, and injured nearly 3,000. The attack caught Hezbollah off guard, as they had switched to analog communication to avoid Israeli infiltration.
Israel’s Involvement: A Joint Operation
Although Israel has not publicly commented on the attacks, sources revealed that it was a joint operation involving Mossad and the Israeli military. Israel’s defense minister, Yoav Gallant, praised the “excellent achievements, together with the Shin Bet and Mossad,” indirectly acknowledging the country’s role in the operation.
Explosives expert Sean Moorhouse suggested that only a small explosive charge and detonator were needed to turn the pagers into weapons, making the devices even more difficult to detect. “It had to be done in such a way to make it invisible,” Moorhouse noted.
International Investigation and the Role of Shell Companies
The investigation has revealed a complex supply chain involving multiple countries. The pagers used in the attacks were traced to a Taiwanese company, Gold Apollo, which denies involvement. Gold Apollo’s chairman, Hsu Ching-Kuang, told reporters that a Hungarian firm, BAC Consulting, manufactured the pagers. However, Hungarian authorities have stated that there is no evidence the pagers were ever in Hungary.
Investigations continue into BAC Consulting and a Bulgarian firm, Norta Global Ltd, which allegedly transferred over a million euros in connection to the pagers. “I don’t make the pagers. I am just the intermediate,” BAC Consulting’s CEO, Cristiana Bársony-Arcidiacono, said when questioned.
Hezbollah’s Response and International Reactions
Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah has promised a full investigation into the attacks. “We have reached an almost certain conclusion, but we still need some time to confirm it,” Nasrallah said. He emphasized that the attack seemed to target senior Hezbollah officials, but many escaped unscathed by using older pager models.
The attack has drawn international condemnation. UN human rights chief Volker Türk criticized the simultaneous targeting of thousands of civilians and soldiers, stating that such attacks violate international human rights laws. Senior UN officials warned that this incident marks a turning point in modern warfare, calling for immediate de-escalation in the region.
A Dangerous New Era
Israel’s use of concealed explosives within communication devices has set a dangerous precedent in warfare. As investigations continue, the world watches in concern, fearing that this attack signals a shift toward more sophisticated and unpredictable forms of violence. Hezbollah, Lebanon, and the international community are left grappling with the aftermath and searching for answers.
As these events unfold, one thing is clear: warfare boundaries have been blurred, and new strategies are emerging that could have lasting consequences across the Middle East.
