In a stunning revelation, recent reports suggest that Israel’s involvement in the deadly pager explosions in Lebanon was far more elaborate than previously thought.
It was not merely a case of tampering with an existing supply chain but rather an intricate operation where Israel allegedly set up shell companies to manufacture explosive-laden pagers specifically for Hezbollah.
The shocking details emerged following a series of synchronised explosions that occurred across Lebanon on Tuesday. These explosions, which resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries, initially led to speculation that Israeli intelligence had simply infiltrated the supply chain to plant explosives in pagers used by Hezbollah. However, new insights suggest a more sophisticated plot involving the creation of shell companies to produce these dangerous devices from scratch.
According to reports from The New York Times, Israel's covert operation included the establishment of a shell company, BAC Consulting, based in Hungary. This company, under a three-year brand-licensing agreement with the Taiwanese firm Gold Apollo, appeared legitimate and was responsible for manufacturing pagers. Behind the scenes, however, BAC Consulting was allegedly producing pagers embedded with powerful explosives, specifically targeting Hezbollah.
The operation reportedly involved at least two other companies designed to obscure the identities of those behind the manufacturing process. Despite the complexity of this scheme, BAC Consulting’s CEO, Cristiana Barsony-Arcidiacono, has denied any involvement in the production of explosive devices, asserting that the company was merely a link in the supply chain.
Hezbollah’s shift to using pagers, prompted by concerns over modern communication devices being hacked, led them to place large orders for these devices from a company in Hungary.
The pagers, initially intended for secure communication, were unknowingly laced with explosives. One of these pagers was even in the possession of the Iranian ambassador in Beirut, resulting in injuries when it detonated, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
The shell company BAC Consulting was reported to have not only produced pagers for civilian use but also manufactured explosive-laden devices intended for Hezbollah.
The widespread distribution of these devices began in mid-2022, with a significant increase in imports earlier this year, making them prevalent among Hezbollah members who believed they were secure communication tools. These pagers, dubbed 'buttons' by Israeli intelligence, could be remotely detonated.
On the day of the explosions, Israeli intelligence is said to have sent a signal to activate the pagers, leading to widespread chaos and devastation within Hezbollah's ranks. This coordinated attack appears to have been part of a broader strategy to weaken Hezbollah’s operational capabilities and send a powerful message.
The implications of this operation suggest that Israel’s strategy extended beyond a simple tactical move. The use of explosive pagers appears to be a prelude to a larger, more significant manoeuvre, potentially reshaping the dynamics of the ongoing conflict in the region.
This revelation has intensified scrutiny of Israel’s actions and the ethical boundaries of such covert operations. It also raises questions about the future of international espionage and the lengths to which nations might go in pursuit of strategic objectives. As the situation develops, it will be crucial to monitor the broader impact of this operation on regional security and international relations.
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