Israel Escalates Covert Attacks: Walkie-Talkies Used by Hezbollah Detonated in Second Wave

In a dramatic escalation of its covert operations against Hezbollah, Israel has reportedly detonated thousands of two-way personal radios used by the militant group in Lebanon. This follows an initial attack on Tuesday, which involved blowing up pager devices used by Hezbollah members. The move marks a significant intensification of Israel's efforts to disrupt Hezbollah’s communications and command structure.

According to a report from Axios, Israeli intelligence services planted explosives in the walkie-talkies, which were then delivered to Hezbollah as part of their emergency communications system. The radios were intended to be used by Hezbollah during a potential conflict with Israel. By embedding explosives in these devices, Israel aimed to undermine the group's ability to effectively coordinate and manage operations.

The second wave of attacks, which targeted these critical communication tools, represents a serious breach in Hezbollah's security infrastructure. The walkie-talkies were part of a system designed to maintain command and control during wartime, and their destruction further impairs Hezbollah’s military capabilities.

Impact and Implications

The detonation of the radios is expected to put additional pressure on Hezbollah, compounding the damage from the earlier pager attack. This series of covert operations highlights the lengths to which Israel is going to disrupt Hezbollah's operational effectiveness. By targeting both pagers and walkie-talkies, Israel aims to create confusion and weaken the group's ability to respond to Israeli actions.

The attack on the walkie-talkies is a clear signal of Israel's commitment to undermining Hezbollah’s operational readiness and demonstrates a calculated approach to erode the group's strategic capabilities.

Patrick Fox, a USAF veteran and military analyst, wrote on X that “Aside from ridding the world of some of its worst occupants, the psychological impact of forcing the enemy to regard his own electronics as potentially lethal hazards represents a major win for the Israelis. Time, effort, planning, good intelligence, & a little luck. This will be studied”. 

Israel's decision to launch a second wave of attacks against Hezbollah’s communication systems underscores the ongoing tension and conflict in the region. As the situation continues to evolve, both sides are bracing for potential further escalations. The impact of these operations on Hezbollah’s ability to function effectively remains to be seen, but the move certainly adds to the mounting pressures faced by the militant group. As of now, the exact impact of the latest attack isn't clear. The Lebanese Red Cross has said that 30 ambulances have been deployed to respond the multiple explosions. 

A look at the number of casualties 

The Times of Israel is reporting that at least 9 people have already lost their life and hundreds have been injured. According to multiple reports, loud explosions were heard at the funeral of Hezbollah members who lost their life in the 1st wave of attack. Lebanon’s state news agency is also reporting that 9 people have already lost their life and at least 300 people have been injured. Reports suggest that Hezbollah purchased the walkie-talkies around 5 months ago, which is the same time during which they purchased the pagers, that exploded in the 1st wave of attack. 

Hashem Safieddine, head of Hezbollah’s Executive Council, has said that “these attacks will certainly be uniquely punished; there will be a bloodily unique revenge.” Referring to Israel as the enemy, Safieddine added that the enemy “should know that we are not beaten, that we will not break, that will not withdraw, and will not be influenced by what this enemy is doing”. 

The UN's special coordinator for Lebanon has said that she is “pained by casualties inflicted today due to more explosions of devices, I can only reiterate my appeal for restraint. Further escalatory actions risk devastating consequences. I again acknowledge the medical teams working under enormous stress to save lives and treat the wounded”. 

(This is a developing story.)