Israel Rushed Pager Attack on Hezbollah Fearing Discovery

In a dramatic turn of events, Israel carried out a covert operation on Tuesday that targeted pager devices used by Hezbollah members in Lebanon and Syria. The decision to launch this attack, which resulted in the deaths of at least nine people and wounded approximately 2,800 others, came amid escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah.

According to three U.S. officials who spoke with Axios, the timing of the operation was influenced by concerns that Hezbollah might have discovered the secret plan. Israel decided to detonate the pagers prematurely, fearing that the planned attack could be compromised if Hezbollah became aware of it. "It was a use it or lose it moment," one U.S. official reportedly explained, underscoring the urgency that drove the decision to proceed with the attack.

The sophisticated operation involved Israeli intelligence services planting explosives in pagers carried by Hezbollah members. The goal was to deliver a surprise blow to 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 larger strategy to weaken Hezbollah, but the risk of detection necessitated an immediate response.

Hezbollah’s Reaction

Hezbollah, the Lebanese terrorist group supported by Iran, has condemned the attack and vowed retaliation. In a statement issued on Wednesday morning local time, the group declared that it would continue its fight against Israel along the border, independently of its planned revenge for the pager attack. Hezbollah warned that Israel should brace for further responses to the operation.

The attack on the pagers, while a significant tactical move, has intensified fears of a broader conflict. As tensions rise, U.S. officials and observers are reportedly 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 high-stakes gamble for Israeli leaders. Faced with the possibility that Hezbollah could uncover the operation, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu , along with key ministers and heads of the Israel Defense Forces and intelligence agencies, chose to activate the plan rather than risk losing the element of surprise.

Israeli concerns about the security of the operation were first reported by Al-Monitor, which noted that recent developments, including suspicions raised by Hezbollah operatives, contributed to the decision to act swiftly. The Israeli government’s choice to carry out the attack reflects the high level of anxiety about the potential consequences of a compromised operation.

The pager attack on Hezbollah represents a critical moment in the ongoing conflict between Israel and the terrorist group. With both sides preparing for potential retaliation, the incident underscores the fragile and volatile nature of the situation in the region. As the fallout continues to unfold, the international community watches closely, hoping that further escalation can be avoided.