A recent report by The New York Times has unveiled details of Israel's long-running covert operation targeting Hezbollah, highlighting Mossad's extensive infiltration of the Iran-backed terror group. The report outlines how Israel systematically undermined Hezbollah, employing booby-trapped devices, deep surveillance, and targeted strikes on its leadership.

On September 17, 2024, Israel detonated thousands of booby-trapped pagers covertly sold to Hezbollah. The explosions killed dozens of operatives and injured thousands, marking a significant escalation in Israel’s campaign against the group. This operation was initiated after Israeli intelligence discovered some of the devices had been sent to Iran for examination, risking exposure of the scheme. The devices, sold through shell companies in Budapest and Sofia, had been in circulation since 2015, with 5,000 pagers and 15,000 walkie-talkies delivered to Hezbollah under false pretenses.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu authorized the operation on September 16 after consulting top security officials. Faced with the imminent compromise of the devices, the consensus among Israeli leaders was to “use it or lose it.” This decision led to a broader military escalation, including airstrikes that decimated Hezbollah’s leadership, culminating in the assassination of its leader, Hassan Nasrallah, and a senior Iranian general stationed in Lebanon. By late November, a weakened Hezbollah agreed to a ceasefire.

Nasrallah’s elimination, approved by Netanyahu hours before his address to the United Nations General Assembly on September 27, dealt a devastating blow to the group. Contrary to his belief that Israel would avoid targeting him to prevent a broader conflict, Nasrallah and his top aides were killed in an airstrike. Israel did not inform Washington of the operation in advance, relying on U.S. support in the event of Iranian retaliation.

The report emphasized that the foundation of Israel’s espionage efforts was laid during the 2006 war with Hezbollah. Israeli forces planted tracking devices on Hezbollah’s Fajr missiles, enabling precise strikes on munitions and facilities. Over the years, Mossad expanded its intelligence network by recruiting operatives to plant listening devices in Hezbollah hideouts and tracking the movements of its leaders.

One such operation targeted Fuad Shukr, Hezbollah’s military chief, who was killed in July 2024. Israeli intelligence had closely monitored his activities, including secret marriages arranged by senior Hezbollah figure Hashem Safieddine, who was later killed in October. Informants tracked Shukr’s movements and personal life, including his rendezvous with multiple mistresses, providing valuable insights into Hezbollah’s leadership dynamics.

The New York Times also revealed a major breakthrough in 2012 when Israel’s Unit 8200, its equivalent to the NSA, intercepted extensive data on Hezbollah’s secret bunkers and missile stockpiles. Despite successes, there were occasional setbacks, such as in late 2023 when a Hezbollah technician became suspicious of communication device batteries, hinting at potential vulnerabilities in Israel’s operations.