Covert Israeli Operation Involved in Manufacturing Explosive Pagers Used in Lebanon: Source

Covert Israeli Operation Involved in Manufacturing Explosive Pagers Used in Lebanon: Source

Edited by: Fern Sidman

In a significant development in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, it has been confirmed that Israel played a role in the manufacturing of pagers that recently exploded, killing Hezbollah operatives in Lebanon. According to a U.S. intelligence source cited by ABC News, this type of operation, known as “supply chain interdiction,” had been planned for at least 15 years. The use of this tactic marks a notable shift in strategy, as the CIA had previously expressed reluctance to employ such methods due to the potential risk posed to innocent civilians, a point emphasized by the intelligence source in conversations with ABC News.

Further details on the planning of this operation were revealed, with sources confirming to ABC News that it involved the creation of shell companies. These companies were staffed by multiple layers of Israeli intelligence officers and their assets, many of whom were unaware of their true employers. This covert structure allowed the production of pagers to appear legitimate, while in reality, these devices were designed to carry one to two ounces of explosives and a remote trigger switch. This sophisticated operation underscores Israel’s deep investment in its covert operations against Hezbollah, a claim that was initially reported by The New York Times and later confirmed by ABC News.

It seems the company responsible for manufacturing thounsands of pagers that exploded across Lebanon was BAC Consulting KFT, based in Hungary.

The Taiwanese company Gold Apollo notes that BAC’s accounts were strange, and payment from it came through the Middle East. pic.twitter.com/fIF1QeuzPk

— LIVE LEAK OFFICIAL ®️ (@Daily_News86) September 18, 2024

Both BAC Consulting, a Hungary-based intermediary, and Gold Apollo, a Taiwan-based manufacturer, have been drawn into the controversy, although neither company has responded to repeated inquiries from ABC News for clarification about their roles in the supply chain of the explosive pagers.

In response to ABC News inquiries, a spokesperson for the Hungarian government clarified that BAC Consulting had no physical presence in Hungary and was functioning merely as a trading intermediary. The spokesperson emphasized that the pagers never entered Hungary, challenging assumptions that the country played any direct role in their manufacturing or distribution. “There is no operational or manufacturing site in Hungary,” the spokesperson told ABC News, distancing the nation from the ongoing investigation.

Rigged Hezbullah #pagers were highly likely manufactured in #Israel under #Mossad. Taiwanese brand owner Gold Apollo claimed devices were made in EU under license by BAC Consulting. Cristiana Bársony-Arcidiacono, BAC’s owner & sole employee denied involvement in the manufacturing pic.twitter.com/Yivjwykrw2

— Mal Kash (@Mal_Kash1) September 19, 2024

Adding to the uncertainty, Hezbollah’s leader Hassan Nasrallah addressed the situation in a speech on Thursday. Nasrallah revealed that the group’s top leadership had been using older pager models, which were not involved in the attack. The pagers that exploded were reportedly part of a newer batch, shipped within the past six months, according to ABC News. Hezbollah is now conducting a full internal investigation to determine how the devices infiltrated their ranks.

Nasrallah’s comments, captured by ABC News, provided insight into the scope of the intended damage. “Not all of the pagers had been distributed, and some of them were turned off,” he explained, suggesting that the attack could have been far more devastating. Nasrallah further added, “Over two days, the enemy wanted to kill at least 5,000 people,” emphasizing that Israeli intelligence knew about the devices’ numbering system, with 4,000 pagers reportedly in circulation.

This revelation has raised questions about the covert intelligence operations behind the attack, with analysts highlighting the complexity of the supply chain interdiction involved. Both Hezbollah and regional observers are now closely scrutinizing the timeline and methods used to infiltrate the group with these devices. ABC News continues to track developments, seeking answers from the companies involved and providing updates on Hezbollah’s ongoing investigation.

As the investigation unfolds, it remains unclear whether further pager explosions are possible, or if the remaining devices can be secured by Hezbollah before they are triggered. The intricacies of the case have drawn international attention, as the global community looks to understand the far-reaching implications of this attack on regional stability.

Over the past two days, these explosive devices, disguised as pagers or walkie-talkies, have triggered deadly blasts in Lebanon. According to ABC News, these explosions, which were remotely detonated, have resulted in the deaths of at least 37 people and injured 2,931, across Lebanon, including in the Hezbollah strongholds of Beirut and the Bekaa Valley, according to Lebanon’s Health Minister Firass Al-Abyad.

The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah intensified on Thursday, as ABC News reports, with both sides engaging in direct military action. Israel launched airstrikes on Lebanon, while Hezbollah returned fire, further escalating tensions in the region. This latest episode in the long-standing conflict between the two entities signals a widening of hostilities, with Hezbollah continuing to retaliate following the Israeli strikes.

Hezbollah has vowed a strong and decisive retaliation following the series of pager explosions. Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah, condemned the attacks as a severe escalation, describing them as a “declaration of war” by Israel, according to The Times of Israel.

Nasrallah promised continued attacks on Israel, asserting that the group’s terrorists would not rest until Israel was made to pay for what he called an unprecedented breach of security. ABC News also reported that he vowed that Israeli civilians, especially in the northern settlements, would not find peace until the group has avenged the attack. Hezbollah has already been launching rocket strikes alongside Hamas as part of a broader regional conflict, but this latest act has further escalated tensions, with Hezbollah warning that more strikes on Israeli targets would follow.

In addition, as VOA News reported, security experts have indicated that Israel’s aim with the pager explosions was not only to cause immediate casualties but to disrupt Hezbollah’s communications and operations. The explosions were designed to remove key terrorists from the battlefield and debilitate Hezbollah’s ability to respond effectively in a crisis. This tactic was intended to weaken Hezbollah’s standing in Lebanon by demonstrating their vulnerability to Israeli intelligence, which further deepened the group’s desire for revenge.

The broader implications of Hezbollah’s promised retaliation suggest the potential for further escalation in the Israel-Lebanon conflict. ABC News reported that the recent military exchanges between Hezbollah and Israel, compounded by the pager attack, have drawn concern from international actors such as the United Nations, which urged restraint to avoid all-out war. Despite these calls, Hezbollah’s leadership has made it clear that they view the attack as a direct threat, with plans to increase their military response against Israel.

Both ABC News and The Register have noted that Hezbollah’s use of technology, such as pagers and walkie-talkies, was an attempt to evade Israeli surveillance—a strategy now proven to have failed in a devastating way. Given the extensive damage caused by these explosions, Hezbollah’s reaction is expected to significantly influence the trajectory of the ongoing conflict in the region.