Pager explosions reign in "new era" for Israel’s war against Hezbollah

Exploded pagers. Photo: The India Times

Pagers exploded simultaneously throughout Lebanon last week in a shocking and coordinated attack on the Lebanese group Hezbollah. Though Israel has yet to claim responsibility for the attacks, the country’s involvement has been confirmed by multiple intelligence officials within Israel, including Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who proclaimed that Israel is “at the beginning of a new era in this war.”

He went on to praise the “excellent achievements” of Israeli intelligence. Israel is speculated to have conducted the operation by infiltrating the pager’s manufacturing company and implanting explosive materials within the devices being supplied to Hezbollah. The new shipment of pagers unexpectedly exploded in the hands, coats, and bags of Hezbollah members, many of whom were in close proximity to civilians.

Just a day after the pagers detonated, a second wave of walkie-talkie explosions occurred during a funeral for three members of Hezbollah and a child killed during last Tuesday’s attack. 

While many Israelis believe their move was skillful and targeted, critics see the attack as the spark that will lead Hezbollah to develop a more violent strategy to handle its neighbor. 

Shortly after the explosions, Hezbollah launched missiles towards Israeli air and naval bases. On September 23rd, Israel responded with its own round of airstrikes into Lebanon, killing over 500 — including women and children — and injuring over 1,800. This has further escalated tensions in the Middle East, especially with the ongoing war in Gaza.

Although put forward by its biggest allies, including the US and France, Israel has rejected a proposed 21-day ceasefire with Hezbollah. Instead, prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has urged the IDF to “continue fighting with full force.” 

Israeli warplanes have continued striking Lebanon, notably killing Mohammad Surur, head of one of Hezbollah’s air force units. In a more assertive strategy, Israeli military officials have signaled their intentions for an on-ground offensive into southern Lebanon. Shortly following this declaration by Lt. Gen. Herzi, Hezbollah fired a missile towards Tel Aviv, in an attempt to target Israel’s foreign intelligence service. Hezbollah’s first-ever aim to strike Tel Aviv proved unsuccessful, as the missile was shot down with no reported casualties or injuries. 

These recent escalations have occurred amid the unprecedented pager operation. Though cross-border combat between both parties has been occurring for decades, this assault was unique because it debilitated Hezbollah mentally and physically, displaying a distinctive weak point for the group.

It has been discovered that the structure of the exploding devices closely resemble those made by Taiwanese manufacturer, Gold Apollo. Taiwan has denied involvement, claiming that a Hungarian company used the Gold Apollo brand when manufacturing the pagers for Hezbollah. 

Though estimated to be higher, the current death toll stands at 32 for both pager and walkie talkie related fatalities, while over 2,400 individuals were injured — some minor and others life-threatening. Among those killed was a 9-year-old girl and an 11-year-old boy.

Children and women mourn the death of a 9-year old girl killed in the pager explosions. Photo: AP Newsroom

The pager explosions occurred only a few hours following Israel’s vote to add a new objective to its war with Hezbollah: “ensuring the safe return of residents from communities along its border with Lebanon to their homes.” 

The United States also believes that Israel is at fault for the attacks; US intelligence has reported that Israel may have been planning such an offensive for 15 years. Secretary of State Antony Blinken denied any US involvement or prior knowledge of the event.

Former CIA director Leon Panetta called the attack “a form of terrorism.” Whether it was a family witnessing an explosion in a supermarket, a paramedic helping an injured person, a child losing their father, or civilians witnessing traumatic injuries play out in public spaces, the explosions will have deep psychological effects on Lebanese society. The unexpectedness of utilizing every-day objects as part of an attack strategy has terrified Lebanese civilians — now worried that their cell phones and laptops may explode at any second.