Following the Pager Explosions, Walkie-Talkies Detonate: Hezbollah Faces Another Severe Setback as Their Communication Devices Explode, Resulting in Over 20 Fatalities

Source : IgMp Bulletin

Mourners carry the coffin of Mohammed Mahdi, son of Hezbollah legislator Ali Ammar, who was killed Tuesday after his handheld pager exploded, in the southern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon. (Image: AP)

Following the Pager Explosions, Walkie-Talkies Detonate: Hezbollah Faces Another Severe Setback as Their Communication Devices Explode, Resulting in Over 20 Fatalities

On Tuesday, September 17, numerous pagers utilized by Hezbollah detonated simultaneously across various locations in Lebanon, resulting in the deaths of 12 individuals, including two children, and leaving around 2,800 injured. Although no organization claimed responsibility for the audacious and chilling attacks, Hezbollah accused Israel and pledged retaliation.

As discussions about the pager explosions spread globally—ranging from inquiries into the nature of the attack to its potential consequences—Lebanon experienced further turmoil on Wednesday, September 18, when thousands of walkie-talkies employed by the group exploded in Beirut, claiming at least 20 lives and injuring over 450 individuals.

These incidents, perceived by many as a threat to regional stability, have raised numerous questions, particularly about the timing of the attacks. Why have both the pager and walkie-talkie explosions occurred now? Is there a deeper significance to this timing?

From Pagers to Walkie-Talkies

The Lebanese militant organization Hezbollah was taken aback on Tuesday by the simultaneous explosion of pagers, which resulted in 12 deaths and nearly 3,000 injuries. The group swiftly pointed fingers at Israel, asserting their intention to seek “justice” for the incident.

While Lebanon was still grappling with the aftermath of the pager blasts, another wave of explosions struck the nation. This time, the walkie-talkies used by Hezbollah members detonated in Beirut, leading to 20 fatalities and more than 450 injuries.

A walkie-talkie that exploded inside a house, in Baalbek, east Lebanon. (Image: AP)

Social media captured visuals of individuals fleeing for safety as explosions erupted during a funeral for Hezbollah members in southern Beirut that afternoon.

In the case of the pagers, suspicions arose that the attack was facilitated by an infiltration in the supply chain. Reports indicated that small quantities of explosives were covertly integrated into the low-tech devices, detonating upon activation via a radio signal, mirroring the simplicity of the paging system itself.

Regarding the walkie-talkies, limited information has been disclosed; however, a security source informed Reuters that Hezbollah had procured them five months prior, coinciding with the acquisition of the pagers.

Lebanese Red Cross ambulance passes next to the families of victims who were injured by their exploding handheld pagers, at the emergency entrance of the American University hospital, in Beirut, Lebanon. (Image: AP)

Timing of the Attacks

In the wake of these attacks, a pressing question has emerged: why now? Several theories regarding the timing have surfaced, with one suggesting that Israel expedited the plan due to fears that Hezbollah may have uncovered their strategy.

Multiple news outlets reported that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his senior officials authorized the coordinated strikes sooner rather than later, following intelligence briefings that indicated Hezbollah might have detected the explosives placed within their pagers.

Furthermore, the detonations of the walkie-talkies were reportedly hastened by concerns that the group would abandon the devices after the shocking attack from the previous day. A U.S. official, speaking to Axios—while denying any American involvement—stated that it was a “use it or lose it moment” for Israel.

This implies that Israel aimed to execute its plan before it could be revealed by Hezbollah, preventing prior preparations from going to waste.

Lebanese security officers stand next of a partly damaged car after what is believed to be the result of a walkie-talkie exploding inside it, in the southern port city of Sidon, Lebanon. (Image: AP)

Boosting Domestic Morale

Another possible rationale for the double wave of attacks against Hezbollah could be to enhance morale domestically. A day before the pager explosions, discussions regarding the ongoing conflict—dating back to last October—centered on whether Prime Minister Netanyahu would dismiss his Defence Minister, Yoav Gallant. However, attention has since shifted back to the war itself, rather than the surrounding political discourse.

Moreover, some analysts suggest that the detonations may serve to bolster Netanyahu's image, as he has been facing declining approval ratings; up until July, the Israeli PM had only garnered 32 percent approval from his constituents. The blasts might reinforce his image as a strong leader.

A young boy holds a candle in front of the Lebanese Embassy in Tehran, Iran following a series of pager and walkie-talkie explosions. (Image: AP)

The pager and walkie-talkie explosions also provide an essential image-repairing opportunity for Israel’s security establishment. Following a significant lapse after Hamas's audacious attack on October 7 last year, which resulted in numerous casualties and hostages, the recent incidents have captured public imagination, with some drawing parallels to a spy thriller. Others point out that such complex operations necessitate precise planning, suggesting that Mossad has regained favor through its execution.

French defense and strategy expert Pierre Servent proposed another perspective, noting that as the first anniversary of the war—October 7—approaches, the attacks convey that Israel remains a formidable presence. He remarked to AFP that the explosions signal a message: “We messed up, but we’re not dead.”

Potential Escalation

Others speculate that the attacks communicate Israel’s technological capabilities and its resolve to confront Hezbollah.

It may also indicate an escalation in hostilities. Recently, the Israeli war cabinet outlined a new objective in the conflict. Defence Minister Yoav Gallant informed troops, “We are at the start of a new phase in the war. The centre of gravity is moving northward.” 

A newsstand shows headlines following pager detonations across Lebanon on Tuesday, in Beirut, Lebanon. (Image: Reuters)

Prime Minister Netanyahu similarly emphasized the commitment to return tens of thousands of evacuated residents from northern border areas to their homes, stating, “We will return to the citizens of the north to their homes in security.”

Conversely, some argue that the detonations serve as a deterrent. Recent revelations from the country’s security services indicated that they thwarted an assassination attempt by Hezbollah targeting a former senior Israeli security official using a remotely triggered explosive device.

Retired Israeli Navy commander Eyal Pinko echoed this sentiment, suggesting that such operations are crafted to convey a warning or deterrence, stating, “We have penetrated you, you have already been penetrated, we know where you are, what you do, and look what we can do in one single shot.”

The future remains uncertain, and Israel’s motives are shrouded in mystery. All that remains is to observe as the next move unfolds in this complex and intriguing geopolitical chess game.

With contributions from various agencies.