Pager report sparks tensions between Mossad, IOF chiefs: Israeli media

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Al Mayadeen English + Israeli media
24 Dec 2024 22:29
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Haaretz examines the purpose behind the CBS report on the pager attacks on Lebanon, as well as its implications.

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This screengrab shows a walkie-talkie that exploded inside a house, in Baalbek, east Lebanon, on Wednesday, September 18, 2024. (AP)

Israeli newspaper Haaretz revealed the reason behind Mossad chief David Barnea's formal acknowledgment of responsibility for the "Pager Operation against Hezbollah", stating that it serves a clear purpose: public relations.

The report argued that this acknowledgment "elevates his status, boosts the morale of the organization, and indirectly serves the interests of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu."

With Netanyahu lifting the secrecy surrounding the operation a month ago to promote himself, hinting that his government was behind the operation, Barnea seized the opportunity to allow the world a glimpse into Mossad's covert activities, according to Haaretz.

The newspaper noted that previously, details of the pager operation were strictly controlled by military censors due to national security concerns. However, Barnea facilitated exclusive cooperation with CBS's 60 Minutes, believing that it would enhance "Israel's deterrence power and conduct psychological warfare against adversaries."

Haaretz pointed out that Barnea's decision surprised senior former Mossad officials. One of them commented to the newspaper, saying, "This is mere boasting for the sake of boasting, and it certainly does not serve as a deterrent."

The Israeli newspaper added that "this move diverts attention from his responsibility for the failures of October 7," further suggesting that it politically benefits Netanyahu by portraying him as victorious in the campaign against Hezbollah.

Haaretz suggested that the censorship system "often appears to function as a tool to promote the interests of the security establishment and the Prime Minister," while some believe it prioritizes national security.

In this context, Haaretz noted that "it was clear to the international community when the pagers exploded that Israel was behind it. But, as usual, the Israeli media was shackled by censorship," forced to rely on the phrase "according to foreign reports."

The newspaper also questioned the strategic objective behind publicizing such an operation, suggesting that it "appears to be more of a self-promotional exercise than a calculated effort to enhance Israeli security."

The CBS report, according to the Israeli newspaper, contributed to tensions between the Mossad chief and the Israeli Army Chief of Staff, Herzi Halevi, thereby escalating internal tensions within the Israeli security establishment, primarily because the report emphasized that credit for the operation belongs solely to Mossad.

On September 17, 2024, the Israeli occupation launched a cyberattack causing the explosion of thousands of wireless pager devices used by civilians and Hezbollah fighters in Beirut's southern suburbs, as well as in southern Lebanon, the Bekaa Valley, and parts of Syria. The attack resulted in the martyrdom of dozens and injuries to over 3,000 people, with most injuries affecting the eyes, hands, and abdomen.

Women and children were also directly impacted by the attack.

Netanyahu admitted on November 10, according to the Israeli Broadcasting Authority, that the operation to detonate the pagers and assassinate Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah was carried out despite opposition from senior officials in the security establishment.