In a revealing interview with CBS’s 60 Minutes, two masked former Mossad agents, using the pseudonyms “Michael” and “Gabriel,” unveiled a meticulously planned operation that crippled Hezbollah’s communication network and instilled widespread fear throughout Lebanon. This elaborate plot, spanning a decade, unfolded in two phases, showcasing Mossad’s ingenuity and unwavering commitment to Israel’s security. The first phase involved the distribution of walkie-talkies embedded with explosives, an audacious move that went undetected by Hezbollah, who unknowingly purchased the devices from their very adversary.
The second phase, launched in 2022, centered around booby-trapped pagers. Upon discovering Hezbollah’s reliance on pagers sourced from a Taiwanese company, Mossad seized the opportunity to infiltrate their communication system. The agents orchestrated a sophisticated deception, involving shell companies and a meticulously crafted “pretend world” to manipulate the supply chain. The pagers were subtly modified to accommodate the explosives, undergoing rigorous testing on dummies to determine the precise amount of explosive needed to injure the target without harming bystanders. Even the ringtone selection was carefully considered, aiming for a sound urgent enough to compel users to retrieve the pager from their pockets.
To further their ruse, Mossad launched a targeted marketing campaign on YouTube, touting the modified pagers as dustproof, waterproof, and boasting extended battery life. This deceptive advertising successfully persuaded Hezbollah to switch to the larger, explosive-laden pagers. Through a complex network of shell companies, the Taiwanese manufacturer, Gold Apollo, unknowingly became a pawn in Mossad’s intricate game, while Hezbollah remained oblivious to the true source of their new communication devices. This elaborate charade ensured that Hezbollah believed they were engaging in legitimate business transactions, further solidifying the illusion of normalcy.
By September 2022, Hezbollah had distributed 5,000 of these rigged pagers among its ranks. On September 17th, Mossad executed their plan. A simultaneous activation signal was sent to all the pagers across Lebanon, triggering explosions. The pagers were designed to detonate even if the two-button activation sequence for encrypted messages wasn’t followed. This widespread detonation sent shockwaves through Lebanon, causing both physical injuries and psychological trauma. The day after the pager attacks, Mossad activated the previously distributed explosive-laden walkie-talkies, further intensifying the chaos and signaling a “new phase of war.”
While the operation undoubtedly caused casualties, the primary objective, according to the agents, was to instill fear and demonstrate Israel’s overwhelming power. The injuries sustained by Hezbollah members served as a stark reminder of Mossad’s reach and capabilities. The agents emphasized the psychological impact of the attacks, noting the fear that gripped Lebanon in the aftermath, where even mundane appliances like air conditioners became objects of suspicion. This pervasive fear, they explained, was a deliberate tactic to undermine Hezbollah’s sense of security and sow distrust within their ranks.
The pager operation represents just one example of Mossad’s long history of daring and often controversial operations. From targeted assassinations using sophisticated weaponry to covert poison injections, Mossad has consistently demonstrated a willingness to push boundaries in the pursuit of its objectives. The agents’ candid revelations about the pager plot provide a chilling glimpse into the world of espionage, highlighting the complex planning, meticulous execution, and psychological warfare that underpin such operations. They also underscore the ever-evolving nature of intelligence work, with Mossad constantly adapting its tactics to stay ahead of its adversaries. The agents concluded by stating that they had already moved on to the “next thing,” emphasizing the constant cycle of innovation and adaptation that defines their work in the shadows. This cryptic warning serves as a chilling reminder of Mossad’s perpetual vigilance and readiness to deploy new, unforeseen tactics in the ongoing struggle for dominance in the Middle East.
