On September 17 and 18, 2024, Lebanon experienced an unprecedented series of explosions that sent shockwaves through the international community. What initially appeared to be isolated incidents unfolded into what seem as a coordinated attack that has left over 30 dead and more than 4000 injured. The explosions, primarily pulled through via pagers and other communication devices, have caused significant loss of lives and have raised alarming questions on the nature of modern warfare and the sanctity of civilian technology, and the security of global supply chains.
“We are opening a new phase in the war. It requires courage, determination and perseverance from us,” Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said in remarks at an air force base.
The Crisis
The attacks began on September 17, when pagers across Lebanon detonated, causing widespread panic and confusion. The following day, the crisis escalated as other communication devices, including walkie-talkies exploded in various locations. The victims included not only Hezbollah members but also civilians, children and medical personnel prompting outrage on such indiscriminate targeting.
Fingers were pointed at Isreal, albeit very quickly. While Tel Aviv has neither confirmed nor denied involvement, multiple sources, including the U.S. intelligence officials have alleged that the attacks were the result of a long-term, sophisticated operation by Israeli intelligence services.
According to various sources, Isreal exploited Hezbollah’s recent shift towards using low-tech communication devices to avoid surveillance. In a move that has been described as the “modern-day Trojan horses”, Israeli operatives allegedly established at least three shell companies posing as international pager manufacturers. These companies, including one named BAC supposedly based in Hungary, produced and sold pagers laced with explosives to Hezbollah and its allies.
The operation, which reportedly began as early as the summer of 2022 saw thousands of doctored pagers distributed throughout Lebanon. The explosives, a substance known as PETN, were mixed into the batteries of those devices. On September 17, 2024, Israeli authorities allegedly triggered the explosions by sending a message disguised as an order from Hezbollah’s senior leadership.
The Technological Dimension: Supply Chain Warfare
Dmitri Alperovitch, chair of the Silverado Policy Accelerator think tank, described the incident as potentially “the largest-scale physical supply chain attack in history,” highlighting the vulnerabilities inherent in our increasingly complex and globalised electronics supply chains. This could mark the beginning of a new era in supply chain warfare, where no consumer product can be fully trusted.
The attack method employed in Lebanon is a significant escalation from previous incidents. While there has been historical cases of intelligence agencies using everyday devices for targeted assassinations, from poison tipped umbrellas to exploding landline telephones, the scale and indiscriminate nature of the pager attacks are indeed unprecedented. At the very least, this operation exposed the following issues:
The incident highlighted the near-impossibility of securing modern electronics supply chains against a determined and sophisticated adversary. With components sourced from multiple countries and assembled through a complex network of contractors and subcontractors, tracing the origin of compromised devices becomes extremely challenging.
Ironically, Hezbollah’s use of pagers, a throwback technology, was an attempt to avoid the vulnerabilities of more advanced devices like smartphones. On the one hand, this highlights a growing understanding that modern electronic devices are easily hacked or modified, thereby pushing some groups to resort to older technologies – which, as demonstrated, are not immune to sophisticated attacks either.
Weaponising everyday consumer electronics, as seen in this attack has further blurred the lines between civilian and military targets. This raises serious ethical and legal questions about the nature of modern warfare and the protection of civilian populations.
The attack revealed the limitations of current security measures in detecting such sophisticated modifications to consumer electronics. This could lead to increased scrutiny of electronic devices in sensitive areas, potentially causing disruptions to global trade and travel.
While much of cybersecurity focus has been on software vulnerabilities, this attack demonstrates the potential for hardware-based attacks, which can be even more difficult to detect and prevent.
The pager attacks come at a time of heightened tensions in the Middle East. With ongoing conflicts in Gaza and continued friction between Israel and its neighbors, there are fears that this incident could spark a wider regional conflict.
On September 18, 2024, the UN General Assembly passed a resolution demanding that Israel end its illegal presence in occupied Palestinian territories within 12 months. However, with 124 votes in favor, 14 against (including the U.S. and Israel), and 43 abstentions, the resolution's practical impact remains questionable.
The attacks have severely disrupted Hezbollah’s communications capabilities, potentially impacting their ability to coordinate and respond to Israeli actions. This could lead to a period of increased vulnerability for the organization, but also raises the risk of retaliatory actions once they regroup.
International Response
“This incident has weaponised devices used by civilians in their daily lives, making each of us a potential next victim,” Professor Hua MeiLong of Peking University’s West Asia Department.
The international community was quick to respond with the UN Security Council scheduling an emergency meeting to discuss the incident. Secretary-General António Guterres called for maximum restraint to prevent further escalation.
Human rights organisations and activists have labeled the attacks “state terrorism”, citing violations of international humanitarian law. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk stated that targeting thousands indiscriminately violates human right law and, international humanitarian law where applicable.
Israel’s closest ally, the United States, has denied prior knowledge or involvement in the attacks. Critics, however argue that. the U.S.’s continued support for Israel enables such actions without fear of significant consequences.
This latest development come across against the backdrop of ongoing tensions between Israel and Hezbollah. Since October 2023, the two sides have engaged in cross-border skirmishes with Hezbollah supporting Hamas in its conflict with Israel in Gaza. The pager attacks represent a significant escalation and a potential game-changed in how modern conflicts are waged.
Conclusion
The Lebanon pager attacks of September 2024 is a disturbing new chapter in the ongoing conflicts of the Middle East and in the broader landscape of global security. By weaponising civilian technology and exploiting vulnerabilities in global supply chains, these attacks have raised critical questions about the nature of modern warfare, international law, and the security of our increasingly interconnected world. There is an urgent need for innovative solutions to address them.
In light of these events:
How does the weaponisation of civilian devices change our understanding of modern warfare, and what are the implications for international humanitarian law?
How should the balance between national security and individual privacy be reevaluated, particularly concerning the use of communication devices?
How might this incident reshape geopolitical alliances and economic relationships, particularly in the technology sector?
Much like the 9/11 attacks, this incident will certainly transform our understanding of terrorism and reshape global aviation security further. As we move forward, the challenge will be to balance the need for security with the preservation of open, innovative, and efficient global supply chains that have been a cornerstone of economic progress.
References:
Bassam, L. and Gebeily, M. (2024) Second wave of exploding devices raises fears of wider Israel-Lebanon conflict | Reuters, Reuters. Available at: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israel-planted-explosives-hezbollahs-taiwan-made-pagers-say-sources-2024-09-18/ (Accessed: 19 September 2024).
Dou, E. and De Vynck, G. (2024) Israel’s pager attack on Hezbollah reveals power of Supply Chain Threats - The Washington Post, The Washington Post. Available at: https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2024/09/19/hezbollah-pager-attack-supply-chain/ (Accessed: 19 September 2024).
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