In a dramatic turn of events, Israel on Tuesday carried out a covert operation targeting pagers used by Hezbollah members in Lebanon and Syria. The decision to launch the attack, which left at least nine people dead and 2,800 others injured, came amid escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah.
According to three US officials who spoke to Axios, the timing of the operation was influenced by concerns that Hezbollah might have discovered the secret plan. Israel decided to detonate the beepers prematurely, fearing that the planned attack could be compromised if Hezbollah learned of it. “It was a use-it-or-lose-it moment,” one US official explained, underscoring the urgency that drove the decision to proceed with the strike.
The sophisticated operation involved Israeli intelligence services placing explosives in pagers carried by Hezbollah members. The goal was to strike a surprise blow at the militant group, potentially crippling its operations. However, recent suspicions raised by Hezbollah operatives about the pagers prompted Israeli leaders to act quickly. Former Israeli officials familiar with the operation revealed that the pagers were intended to be a key element in a broader strategy to weaken Hezbollah, but the risk of detection demanded an immediate response.
Hezbollah’s reaction
Hezbollah, the Iranian-backed Lebanese terror group, has condemned the attack and vowed retaliation. In a statement issued Wednesday morning local time, the group said it would continue its fight against Israel along the border regardless of its planned revenge for the pager attack. Hezbollah warned that Israel should prepare for further responses to the operation.
The attack on the pagers, while an important tactical maneuver, has heightened fears of a wider conflict. As tensions rise, U.S. officials and observers are closely monitoring the situation, concerned that the incident could escalate into an all-out war between Israel and Hezbollah.
Behind the scenes
The decision to proceed with the pager attack was a risky gamble for Israeli leaders. Faced with the possibility that Hezbollah might discover the operation, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Along with key ministers and heads of the Israel Defense Forces and intelligence agencies, they opted to activate the plan rather than risk losing the element of surprise.
Al-Monitor was the first to report on Israeli concerns about the security of the operation, noting that recent developments, including suspicions raised by Hezbollah operatives, contributed to the decision to act quickly. The Israeli government’s decision to carry out the attack reflects the high level of anxiety over the potential consequences of a compromised operation.
The pager attack on Hezbollah represents a critical moment in the ongoing conflict between Israel and the terror group. As both sides prepare for possible retaliation, the incident highlights the fragile and volatile nature of the situation in the region. As the fallout continues to unfold, the international community is watching closely, hoping that further escalation can be avoided.
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