Lebanon is once again witnessing a period of chaos as Hezbollah faces a mysterious new assault on its communication infrastructure. Dubbed “Below the Belt Phase 2,” this wave of sabotage involves explosions of handheld radios, or walkie-talkies, home solar power systems across southern Lebanon and the southern suburbs of Beirut, marking a second round of targeted attacks after a devastating pager blast the day prior. The violence, which erupted late Wednesday, has sent shockwaves through the region.
The series of explosions, according to reports from Reuters, is the latest in a calculated attack aimed at Hezbollah’s communication tools. The blasts, which occurred during the funeral of Hezbollah members killed the previous day, bear a striking similarity to the pager detonations that shook the country on Tuesday. Those earlier explosions claimed the lives of at least 12 people, including two children, and injured nearly 3,000, as confirmed by Lebanon’s health minister, Firass Abiad.
GoaChronicle reported yesterday that through its intelligence network, it had learned that Israeli intelligence successfully intercepted a shipment of pager batteries ordered from Lebanon. Acting on a confirmed tip, the intelligence agency seized the shipment and covertly modified the batteries. Small, undetectable explosives are inserted into the battery casings and connected to the battery wires via a discreet chip. The pager model was Rugged Pager AR924 IP67. The operation code word was ‘Below the Belt’. The modified batteries were programmed to heat up and detonate when triggered by the chip. This chip was remotely activated by sending a common message to all targeted pagers simultaneously, causing the explosions.
In this latest phase, more than 100 individuals were reported injured from the walkie-talkie detonations, signaling that whoever is behind these attacks is determined to destabilize Hezbollah’s internal communication system. As AFP reported, the Lebanese government is grappling with the growing crisis, which seems aimed at crippling the Iran-backed militant group from within.
In response to the unprecedented pager and walkie-talkie blasts, Hezbollah launched a retaliatory rocket attack on Israeli artillery positions in southern Lebanon. This marks the group’s first direct military action against Israel since the beginning of the crisis, fueling fears of a broader conflict. The attack signals Hezbollah’s intention to escalate the situation and shows that the group will not sit idly as it faces internal sabotage.
The timing of these blasts, particularly during the funeral of Hezbollah fighters, suggests a strategic element to the attacks, adding a layer of psychological warfare. Hezbollah, known for its extensive military and intelligence capabilities, is likely reeling from the assaults, which target one of its core strengths—its ability to communicate and organize effectively in times of conflict.
The developments in Lebanon come at a time of heightened tensions across the Middle East. The rocket attack on Israeli positions may provoke a response, leading to further escalation between Hezbollah and Israel. Southern Lebanon, a frequent flashpoint in Hezbollah-Israel conflicts, could once again become the center of intense military engagement.
For Lebanon, these attacks could not come at a worse time. The country is already grappling with a severe economic crisis, political paralysis, and widespread civil unrest. The Lebanese government, under significant pressure, is struggling to maintain order amid growing instability.
As the “Below the Belt Phase 2” operation unfolds, it remains to be seen how Hezbollah will respond beyond its rocket attack. With its communication network compromised and morale likely shaken by the loss of lives and internal security breaches, the group is at a critical juncture. Hezbollah’s next moves will be crucial in determining whether this period of violence will expand into a full-scale regional conflict or remain a contained internal crisis.
