The pager attacks in Lebanon are said to have been part of a long-term Israeli plan. Shouldn’t we really keep our hands off the red button?
Tel Aviv/Beirut – “We are at the beginning of a new era in this war and we must prepare for it,” said Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant during a visit to an air force base in northern Israel. the pager explosions in Lebanon this new era has apparently become a reality.
Israel’s “Red Button” plan: “Serious blow” for Hezbollah leadership
The explosions were said to be part of Israel’s “Red Button” plan. According to a report by WashingtonPostbased on information from Israeli officials, is a plan that is activated at critical moments to achieve maximum effect against an opponent.
A former Israeli official told the WashingtonPostA “red button” is “a concept that you can use if you want it or need it.” Detonating the devices “was not part of the overall plan” envisaged at the start of the operation, the official said, but stressed that the explosions had a significant impact.
“Look at the result,” the former official said, referring to the explosions. Eyal Pinko, a former Israeli naval commander, described the attack, according to Washington Post, as a “serious blow” to the leadership of the Hezbollah.
Attack on Hezbollah: Pager explosion was the culmination of years of efforts
A former employee of the Israeli secret service told the Washington Post, that the explosions represent the culmination of years of efforts to penetrate Hezbollah’s communications, logistics and procurement structures. Before the pagers were rigged with explosives, Mossad and other Israeli intelligence agencies are said to have already gained a comprehensive understanding of what Hezbollah needs, where its weak points are and which front companies it is associated with, as well as their locations and relevant contacts.
Then, the former official said, “you have to create an infrastructure of companies where one sells to another, who sells to another” – all to get closer to Hezbollah’s buyers, who rely on their own front companies while hiding any connection to Israel.
The New York Times reported that Israeli intelligence not only developed the devices in question but also set up front companies to deceive Hezbollah. However, the Israeli government has not yet taken public responsibility for this operation.
Criticism of Israel: Explosives instead of spy technology
A former US intelligence official has criticized Israel’s choice to use explosives instead of advanced spy technology. He told WashingtonPostthis reflects the aggressive attitude of the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that may not achieve the desired strategic goals in the regional conflict. Ralph Goff, a former high-ranking CIA official, added that the US was not informed of Israel’s explosives plan. Had they known about it, they would have tried to stop the operation.
Attacks in Lebanon: Iran warns Israel of “dangerous consequences”
At the same time, Israel has expanded its attacks against Lebanon. Hezbollah and Israel are firing rockets, cruise missiles and drones at each other. In view of this, Lebanese Foreign Minister Bou Habib sees the danger of a major war. U.N.At the Security Council in New York last week, Habib said: “Either this Council forces Israel to stop its aggression or we will be silent witnesses to the great explosion that is looming on the horizon today.”
The US also recognises that the Middle East is on the verge of a “regional war”. This is what a US official told the broadcaster CNNThe greatest danger now is direct Iranian intervention in the conflict. This has not happened so far, the official said. However, Iran will intervene if Hezbollah – Iran’s strongest proxy in the Middle East – faces destruction, he added.
Iran had responded to the Israeli attacks with a clear warning of “dangerous consequences”. Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani described the Israeli air strikes on Monday as “insane” and warned of a “serious threat to regional and international peace”. Iran’s President Massud Peseschkian accused Israel of aiming for a “larger conflict”. (lw)
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