In a dramatic and highly sophisticated operation, Israel delivered a crippling blow to Hezbollah’s communication network this week. Explosions rocked Lebanon as pagers, used by the U.S.-designated terrorist group, were remotely detonated. This covert strike, orchestrated by Israel’s foreign intelligence agency Mossad, targeted thousands of Hezbollah operatives and sent shockwaves through the organization’s leadership.
A Masterful Israeli Strike
According to reports from Reuters, MossadMossadMossadMossad planted explosives in 5,000 pagers that were smuggled into Lebanon months before the attack. On Tuesday, these devices detonated, killing nine people and severely injuring many more. A senior Lebanese security source confirmed the scope of the attack, calling it one of Hezbollah’s “biggest security breaches” since their involvement in the Gaza conflict.
The Lebanese-based Hezbollah had shifted from mobile phones to pagers in an attempt to avoid Israeli surveillance. However, their reliance on this technology became their Achilles heel. The Israeli strike came just after Hezbollah officially joined forces with Hamas following the group’s invasion of Israel on October 7.
“A Strike at Hezbollah’s Core”
Walid Phares, a U.S. expert on Lebanon and Hezbollah, told Fox News Digital, “is certainly a strike against Hezbollah’s national security apparatus. We are talking about thousands and thousands of individuals who are at the heart of the security force of Hezbollah, who are, according to sources we know, in charge of manning many things. One is the missile force.”
This operation not only damaged Hezbollah’s communication network but also hit its military infrastructure. Over 150,000 missiles are reportedly aimed at Israel from Lebanon, and since October 8, Hezbollah has fired more than 7,500 rockets and drones across the Israeli border.
Psychological and Strategic Impact
While the immediate physical damage was substantial, Phares also emphasized the psychological effect of the strike, stating that the operation “weakened the image of Hezbollah within the Lebanese population.” He noted that many Lebanese civilians are now convinced that Hezbollah “can eventually be defeated” and that the group’s stronghold on Lebanon is beginning to falter.
In addition, the attack has reignited opposition from Lebanon’s Sunni, Druze, and Christian populations, potentially rallying them to rise against Hezbollah’s dominance.
Israel’s Silence, But Intentions Are Clear
Israel’s government has maintained its usual policy of ambiguity regarding covert operations, neither confirming nor denying involvement in the attack. However, a senior U.S. official later told Fox News that Israel was indeed responsible for the strike. The IDF declined to comment when approached, adhering to their strategic silence.
Despite this, the operation’s impact was undeniable. The explosions resulted in mass casualties, with over 2,500 people injured, including many Hezbollah fighters and Iran’s envoy to Beirut.
A Precedent-Setting Operation
Jonathan Conricus, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, explained the significance of the strike, calling it “a brilliant tactical success unlike anything previously accomplished against a terror organization during combat.” However, Conricus warned that the strategic benefits of the operation would only materialize if Israel followed up with swift action against Hezbollah, which is currently reeling from the shock.
Conricus added. He stressed that Israel’s top priority remains ensuring the safe return of nearly 100,000 Israelis displaced by Hezbollah attacks over the past 11 months.
Israel’s Growing Repertoire of Covert Operations
Israel’s intelligence agency, Mossad, has long been regarded as one of the world’s most formidable forces. Within the last two months, they have reportedly assassinated Fuad Shukr, a high-ranking Hezbollah operative in Beirut, and eliminated Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. Mossad also orchestrated a daring raid on an Iranian weapons facility in Syria.
The Long Road Ahead
Israeli military expert Nadav Eyal, writing for Yedioth Ahronoth, hailed the operation as one of Israel’s “One of the most brilliant Israeli intelligence operations ever.” He pointed out that such efforts were crucial to restoring Israel’s regional deterrence, which had eroded in recent years following a series of coordinated attacks by Hamas, Hezbollah, and Iran.
“This is a very effective operation if you want to restore deterrence in the region,” Eyal stated.
“By these kinds of operations, Israel is really showing those different forces what it can do.”
The Looming Conflict with Hezbollah
As the dust settles, many wonder what lies ahead. IDF Reserve Brig. Gen. Amir Avivi, speaking to Fox News Digital, warned that a larger conflict with Hezbollah may be inevitable.
“This is the first step in really moving the center of gravity from Gaza to Lebanon. In my opinion, war is imminent. We will have to hit Hezbollah and we will have to do a ground incursion,” Avivi explained. “We cannot have Hezbollah on our borders. Israel is sending a very, very strong message. We have knowledge and capabilities. We know everything about Hezbollah and Iran.”
He concluded with a stark warning: “If they do not retreat, the end game is clear: Hezbollah is going to be destroyed in south Lebanon.”
Hezbollah’s Defiance
Despite the overwhelming blow, Hezbollah remains defiant. In a statement released on Wednesday, the group vowed to continue its resistance, promising severe retaliation for what they referred to as Israel’s “massacre.”
