The toll wreaked from the events of 17 and 18 September has been extensive. According to the best estimates, more than 3,500 people were injured and 37 were killed. The events I’m referring to, of course, were the sudden and surprise explosions of thousands of electronic devices, carried (in the majority) by members of Hezbollah in Lebanon. Among the injured were the Iranian ambassador to Lebanon, who reportedly lost an eye, and allegedly several personnel from the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corp who sponsor and assist terrorist organisations across the world.
It seems that the Israeli intelligence services managed to pull off a huge coup, interdicting supplies of Taiwanese-made pagers and Japanese-made handheld radios via a Hungarian front company (again, allegedly) and planting in them explosives that could be detonated remotely. Similar methods have reputedly been used before, but not on this scale.
Most Israelis recognise the ‘it’s us or them’ nature of their national existence
The audaciousness of the operation is a reminder that Israeli security is still not to be underestimated.
Comments
Join the debate for just $5 for 3 months
Be part of the conversation with other Spectator readers by getting your first three months for $5.
UNLOCK ACCESS Just $5 for 3 monthsAlready a subscriber? Log in