Israel has got a long history of it - some portrayed after Munich
Israel has a long history of utilizing telephones and other communication devices as explosive devices in targeted assassinations. This practice has evolved over decades, with notable operations that have shaped Israel's covert military and intelligence strategies.
## Historical Context
**Operation Wrath of God**: Following the Munich Massacre in 1972, where 11 Israeli athletes were killed, Israel launched Operation Wrath of God. This operation involved tracking down and assassinating individuals linked to the Black September group responsible for the attack. One of the most infamous incidents occurred in 1973 when Israeli operatives placed explosives in the marble base of a telephone used by Mahmoud Hamshari, a PLO representative in Paris. When Hamshari answered a call, the device detonated, severely injuring him; he later died from his injuries[1][2][3].
**Yahya Ayyash's Assassination**: In 1996, Israel targeted Yahya Ayyash, a chief bomb-maker for Hamas known as "the Engineer." Ayyash was killed when he answered a phone call that had been rigged with explosives. The bomb detonated upon confirming his identity through voice recognition[1][2][5].
## Recent Developments
In September 2024, Israel executed a series of attacks on Hezbollah militants in Lebanon by detonating thousands of pagers and walkie-talkies packed with explosives. This operation reportedly resulted in numerous fatalities and injuries among both Hezbollah members and civilians. The blasts were designed to create chaos and instill fear within the militant group[2][4][5].
### Key Incidents - **Pager Explosions**: On September 17, 2024, multiple pagers exploded across Lebanon, killing at least a dozen people and injuring thousands. This operation was characterized by its unprecedented scale and sophistication, marking a significant evolution in Israel's assassination tactics[1][3][4]. - **Walkie-Talkie Detonations**: Following the pager attacks, additional explosions occurred from walkie-talkies the next day, further indicating a coordinated effort to target Hezbollah operatives[2][4].
## Conclusion
Israel's use of telephones and communication devices as explosive devices for assassinations reflects a strategic approach to targeted killings that combines technological innovation with intelligence operations. The history of such practices illustrates Israel's ongoing conflict with groups like Hezbollah and Hamas, showcasing both the effectiveness and ethical complexities of these covert actions. As these methods continue to evolve, they raise significant questions about security, morality, and the long-term implications for regional stability.
Citations: [1] https://www.rusi.org/explore-our-re.../nowhere-hide-israels-pager-attacks-hezbollah [2] https://www.cnn.com/2024/09/19/midd...lebanon-israeli-black-ops-intl-cmd/index.html [3] https://theweek.com/defence/mossads-history-with-explosive-technology [4] https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/18/world/middleeast/israel-exploding-pagers-hezbollah.html [5] https://www.nbcnews.com/investigations/israel-long-history-targeted-killings-enemies-rcna171888 [6] https://www.aljazeera.com/economy/2...alarm-about-supply-chain-security-tech-safety [7] https://www.ft.com/content/dbaac693-2fd2-41bc-b5e7-6c2c7dd92277
