Benjamin Netanyahu’s audacious plan involving exploding devices targeting Hezbollah compounds revealed shocking outcomes, stirring regional tensions.
At a Glance
- Operation involved exploding communication devices on Hezbollah operatives in Beirut.
- The attacks left 39 dead and over 3,400 injured, according to Israeli sources.
- Netanyahu confirmed responsibility amid internal opposition from Israeli leaders.
- Hezbollah condemns the act as a declaration of war.
Netanyahu’s Revelation
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu admitted to orchestrating the September attacks against Hezbollah using explosive communication devices. The operation took place on September 16 and 17, targeting Hezbollah members in Beirut, Lebanon, and Syria. Devices exploded simultaneously, causing substantial casualties among Hezbollah operatives and affiliates.
This covert operation followed a string of attacks on Israel by Hezbollah over the past year. Netanyahu emphasized the necessity of this plan despite serious objections and warnings from senior defense officials. Within his political circle, there was notable resistance, highlighting a division over the operation’s pivotal impact on security and international relations.
BREAKING: Israel blew up thousands of personal radios (Walkie-Talkies) which were used by Hezbollah members in Lebanon in a second wave of its intelligence operation which started on Tuesday with the explosions of Hezbollah pager devices, per two sources with knowledge
— Barak Ravid (@BarakRavid) September 18, 2024
Operation Details and Repercussions
The offensive reportedly saw thousands of pagers strategically placed within Hezbollah territories, programmed to detonate upon receiving specified signals. This operation, attributed to sophisticated Israeli intelligence and classified under covert actions by Netanyahu’s administration, led to sweeping effects across affected regions in Beirut.
In fact, Netanyahu is quoted as saying, “The pager operation and the elimination of [Hezbollah leader Hassan] Nasrallah were carried out despite the opposition of senior officials in the defense establishment and those responsible for them in the political echelon.”
After the attacks, subsequent airstrikes targeted Hezbollah’s command structures. These were accompanied by Israeli ground tasks in southern Lebanon. Criticism followed suit from Hezbollah and the Lebanese government, labeling the operation as blatant Israeli aggression, escalating concerns over a broader Middle Eastern conflict.
Mass pager explosion in Lebanon
◼️ Footage shows pagers exploding in the hands or pockets of their owners
◼️ The Lebanese Health Ministry urges all pager owners to dispose of their devices immediately
◼️ Reports claim that many of those affected are Hezbollah members
◼️… pic.twitter.com/8OAslTzqht
— Anadolu English (@anadoluagency) September 17, 2024
Global and Regional Tensions
As tensions mount, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah equated the acts to a war declaration, prompting fears of intensified conflict in the Middle East. Israeli officials announced intentions to continue defensive measures against ongoing threats, reinforcing a need for robust responses to hostile activities.
This admission by Netanyahu sheds light on Israel’s broader approach to counter Hezbollah’s provocations. Despite internal controversies, the operation’s success could redefine tactical measures against similar threats, although international pressures and diplomatic implications present further challenges.
Sources:
- https://www.timesofisrael.com/in-first-netanyahu-said-to-admit-israel-carried-out-pager-attacks-on-hezbollah/
- https://www.wsj.com/world/middle-east/hundreds-of-hezbollah-operatives-pagers-explode-in-apparent-attack-across-lebanon-cf31cad4
- https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-09-18/trail-of-exploding-pagers-in-lebanon-leads-to-taiwan-hungary
- https://nypost.com/2024/11/11/world-news/israels-netanyahu-approved-deadly-pager-attacks-against-hezbollah/