Report: Hezbollah Pager Blasts Tied to Israeli-Run Hungarian Firm

A report published Thursday by The New York Times alleges that a Hungarian firm supplying pagers used by Hezbollah was a front set up by Israeli intelligence as part of a covert operation. The operation culminated earlier this week when the devices exploded, killing several Hezbollah members and injuring thousands across Lebanon and Syria. The report claims that Israel did not merely tamper with the devices but was involved in their manufacture through a shell company, BAC Consulting, set up by Israeli intelligence figures.

On Tuesday, thousands of pagers used by Hezbollah operatives detonated in a coordinated attack, with Hezbollah blaming Israel and vowing revenge. The following day, handheld radios used by Hezbollah also exploded, causing more casualties and sowing further fear across Lebanon. Lebanese authorities confirmed 12 deaths and nearly 3,000 injuries from the pager blasts alone, with at least 20 more deaths from the subsequent radio explosions.

The Hungarian company BAC Consulting was established in 2022 and supplied pagers fitted with explosive materials according to The New York Times. The devices reached Hezbollah as part of a strategic shift within the terror group after its leader, Hassan Nasrallah, discouraged the use of cell phones for fear of Israeli surveillance.

The coordinated blasts are being widely attributed to Israel, although the country has remained silent on its involvement. Anonymous US officials have also hinted that Israeli agencies were responsible. The attacks have raised concerns about a full-scale confrontation between Israel and Hezbollah following nearly a year of cross-border skirmishes.

Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah is expected to address the attacks later today, while Israeli leaders have hinted at further operations.