What happened: On September 17, 2024, a series of coordinated explosions rocked Lebanon and Syria, as thousands of pagers used by Hezbollah operatives detonated simultaneously. The explosions believed to have been rigged by Israeli intelligence, killed at least 12 people and wounded over 2,750, primarily Hezbollah members. A second wave of explosions, targeting walkie-talkies, followed the next day, claiming at least 20 more lives and injuring 450.

Why it matters: The attacks represent a major breach in Hezbollah’s security, potentially undermining its operations and communication capabilities. This comes as Hezbollah continues its involvement in the ongoing conflict with Israel, which has intensified since the October 2023 Hamas-led attacks on Israel. The explosions mark a significant escalation, highlighting Israel’s ability to target Hezbollah deep within its strongholds.

The bigger picture: The Israel-Hezbollah conflict has remained a persistent flashpoint in the region. Hezbollah’s decision earlier this year to switch to pagers – following concerns about Israeli infiltration of their phone network – now appears to have backfired dramatically. The incident could have far-reaching consequences for Hezbollah’s military capabilities and the broader geopolitical dynamics in the region.

What’s next: With tensions already high, these attacks could trigger further retaliation from Hezbollah, potentially dragging both Lebanon and Israel into a broader conflict. Israeli officials have remained tight-lipped about the operation, but the scale of the attack sends a clear message: Hezbollah’s communications are vulnerable, and Israel has the means to strike at will.

The bottom line: The pager and walkie-talkie explosions have exposed significant vulnerabilities within Hezbollah’s operations, dealing with the group its largest security breach yet. How Hezbollah responds to this will shape the next phase of this ongoing conflict.