Two former Mossad agents have disclosed the details of a covert Israeli operation that targeted Hezbollah members using booby-trapped walkie-talkies and pagers. The devices, sold under the guise of legitimate commercial products, were rigged with explosives and detonated in September 2024, killing dozens and injuring thousands in Lebanon, including civilians.
The attacks coincided with escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, following the broader conflict ignited by Hamas’s unprecedented attack on Israel in October 2023. On 17 September 2024, thousands of pagers exploded across Lebanon, mainly in Hezbollah-dominated areas. The following day, rigged walkie-talkies also detonated, causing further casualties and panic.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged Israel’s responsibility for the attacks two months later, prompting international condemnation. The UN’s human rights chief, Volker Turk, labeled the incident a war crime, citing violations of international human rights and humanitarian laws.
The two ex-Mossad operatives, identified as Michael and Gabriel, detailed their roles in the operation during an interview with CBS News. They explained how Mossad used elaborate shell companies to infiltrate Hezbollah’s supply chain. The agency planted explosive devices in batteries powering walkie-talkies and later expanded to pagers by setting up a fake company to replicate a legitimate Taiwanese brand, Gold Apollo.
Michael described the intricate layers of deception, saying Mossad created a pretend world with fake advertising campaigns and brochures to lure Hezbollah into purchasing over 16,000 rigged walkie-talkies and 5,000 pagers. The devices were designed to minimize collateral damage, with explosives tailored to harm only the user. Mossad even selected a ringtone that sounded urgent to increase the likelihood of Hezbollah members using the devices.
The detonations, reportedly triggered remotely from Israel, occurred when Mossad suspected that Hezbollah was growing wary of the devices. The blasts caused widespread chaos in Lebanon, overwhelming hospitals with casualties. Reports suggest that some explosions occurred in proximity to high-ranking Hezbollah members, further intensifying the impact.
In the wake of the attacks, Israel launched intense airstrikes and a ground invasion targeting Hezbollah positions, escalating the conflict. A ceasefire was reached on 26 November, but the aftermath of the operation continues to spark controversy.
Lebanon condemned the attacks, accusing Israel of violating international laws. The revelations of Mossad’s elaborate tactics have raised ethical and legal questions, with critics arguing that the operation’s civilian casualties underscore the disproportionate nature of the assault. International observers have called for accountability as the region grapples with the fallout from the attacks.