Bombs in disguise: Inside the Mossad's complex operation against Hezbollah communications devices

Report by Theresia Rahme, English Adaptation by Karine Keuchkerian

In an intelligence operation described as one of the most complex in history, the Mossad delivered a powerful blow to Hezbollah using devices such as pagers and walkie-talkies. 

The New York Times revealed details of the operation, which utilized electronic surveillance and the recruitment of agents to penetrate Hezbollah, monitored for nine years.

The operation began in 2015 when the Mossad shipped bomb-laden wireless communication devices to Lebanon. 

These devices contained large battery packs, hidden explosives, and a transmission system that granted Israel full access to Hezbollah's communications. At that time, Hezbollah believed it had finally rid itself of cellular devices and resorted to secure, un-hackable communications. 

The Israelis settled for listening in on the group while keeping the option to turn the wireless communication devices into bombs in the event of a future crisis.

In 2023, a new opportunity arose for the Mossad to undermine Hezbollah by infiltrating its supply channels and selling them the bomb-laden pagers, despite Hezbollah leaders being confident that the devices were not Israeli or connected to the United States or its allies. 

The Israeli agency began receiving requests from Hezbollah to purchase large quantities of wireless communication devices under the Taiwanese brand "Apollo" through a woman trusted by Hezbollah, with no clear ties to Israeli interests. 

The new, larger AR924 devices were marketed to the group as operating with a bigger battery and longer operational time. The deal was made, and about 5,000 devices were distributed to mid-level fighters and logistical support sectors in February.

The technology allowed for the simultaneous detonation of the pager devices using an electronic signal from the Israeli intelligence agency. 

However, to ensure maximum damage, the first explosion occurred after sending an encrypted message that required pressing two buttons on the pager to activate it. Less than a minute later, thousands of other devices exploded without user control.

On September 18, hundreds of walkie-talkie devices exploded in the same manner. The newspaper reports that the Mossad has been aware of Nasrallah's whereabouts since then but has been waiting for the right opportunity to assassinate him.