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Israeli shell company linked to pagers used by Hezbollah, leading to deadly blasts in Lebanon. Learn how this compromised Hezbollah communication network
A recent report has revealed that Hungary-based BAC Consulting, an Israeli shell company, manufactured the pagers that caused a series of deadly explosions across Lebanon. The blasts, which killed at least 20 people and left hundreds injured, are believed to be a strategic attack by Israeli intelligence to disrupt Hezbollah’s communication network.
Explosive-Laced Pagers Sent to Hezbollah
While BAC Consulting created regular pagers for various clients, those sent to Hezbollah were modified to contain explosive-laced batteries. Shipments of these pagers began in 2022, following an order by Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah to shift from mobile phones to pagers in an effort to avoid Israeli surveillance. This shift saw a spike in demand for these devices within Hezbollah’s communication network.
Deadly Blasts and Consequences for Hezbollah
On Tuesday, Lebanon was rocked by explosions as pagers detonated once users received what appeared to be routine messages. The blasts not only caught many off guard but also inflicted severe injuries, with hospitals in Beirut reporting cases of eye damage and amputations. The attacks have dealt a significant blow to Hezbollah, raising concerns about the vulnerability of its communication network.
Hezbollah’s Response and Operational Security Questions
In response, Hezbollah has vowed retaliation, calling the attacks a “criminal act” by Israel. Security experts are now questioning the operational security of the Iranian-backed group, as the incident has exposed the risks even in less traceable communication methods like pagers. Analysts suspect that the explosives were embedded within the pagers through a supply chain attack, compromising Hezbollah’s communication network during production or transit.
