by Janet Abou-Elias

When Pagers Became Bombs: The New Reality of Psychological Warfare 

Janet Abou-Elias is a research fellow at the Center for International Policy and co-founder of Women for Weapons Trade Transparency.

The Lebanese Health Ministry announced Wednesday that the death toll from Israeli attacks on Lebanon has risen to 2,119, with another 10,019 since October 8, 2023. At least 50 paramedics have been killed in Lebanon over the last three weeks. With over a million people – a fifth of the population – displaced by Israeli bombings of Beirut and Southern Lebanon and ongoing ground invasion, the existing humanitarian crisis has deepened. This latest surge of violence, coupled with covert operations like the pager and walkie talkie explosions, threatens to further destabilize the country.

The pager and walkie talkie explosions, unprecedented in scope, have raised serious questions about the involvement of Israel’s military apparatus in covert operations, especially in the context of its ongoing assault on Gaza. This is no ordinary cyber attack– reports suggest these explosions stem from a covert supply chain infiltration rather than software manipulation, marking a significant escalation in an already volatile situation. According to the Lebanese Health Ministry, the pager explosions killed twelve people, including a ten-year-old girl and a young boy, and injured thousands. Just days later, a wave of walkie talkie explosions killed 20 and left 450 people injured.

Sources indicate that the affected pagers were recently acquired by Hezbollah in a new shipment from Taiwan-based electronic manufacturer Gold Apollo. The Lebanese government spokesman said Israel is responsible for the pager explosions, deeming it a violation of Lebanese sovereignty. If this is correct, it points to an operation in which the IDF targeted essential communication equipment at the procurement level, thereby weaponizing the supply chain.

What happens when any object can become a bomb?

This attack sets a deeply disturbing precedent—the weaponization of ordinary, essential technology in public spaces. The idea that these devices were compromised before even reaching Hezbollah underscores the growing sophistication of covert warfare. This tactic targets not just military infrastructure but also civilian life and infrastructure. Pagers, used by medical personnel, businesses, and citizens across Lebanon, have been weaponized. The normalization of such attacks creates a terrifying new reality where everyday objects can become deadly weapons, unraveling the fabric of daily life and instilling anxiety and paranoia at every level. Lebanese civilians– and civilians of the world– are now second-guessing the safety and security of tools and machines they use daily. 

The psychological impact of these attacks cannot be understated. The normalization of exploding communication devices introduces a new form of psychological warfare, creating an atmosphere of pervasive fear and distrust. As Israeli jets send sonic booms over Beirut, Lebanese civilians, already grappling with political instability and economic collapse, are now faced with the chilling possibility that ordinary objects—pagers, phones, and even medical equipment—can become weapons. The result is an atmosphere of pervasive fear, where public spaces and everyday items are fraught with danger. Public spaces become ticking time bombs, and the very infrastructure meant to support society becomes a weapon against it.

The result is an atmosphere of pervasive fear, where public spaces and everyday items are fraught with danger.

This escalation further compounds the mental health crisis. In the years following the 2019 financial crash, Lebanon has recorded some of the highest rates of daily negative experiences in the world, according to a survey by Gallup. These experiences remain prevalent, particularly among the poorest households. The poorest 20% of the population are disproportionately affected by worry (77%), stress (76%), pain (68%), sadness (52%), and anger (49%), compared with those with higher incomes. This emotional and psychological toll compounds the humanitarian crisis in Lebanon, adding a layer of distress to an already fragile situation.

Booby-trapping the public square

Former CIA director Leon Panetta called the deadly pager explosions in Lebanon a form of terrorism. He stated, “This is going right into the supply chain, […] and when you have terror going into the supply chain, it makes people ask the question: ‘What the hell is next?’” The explosion of pagers raises significant concerns about civilian harm and potential violations of international humanitarian law (IHL). Brian Finucane, writing in Just Security, highlights key questions regarding the legality of targeting individuals based on their status as Hezbollah fighters, whether the attacks were proportionate and discriminated between military and civilian targets, and if the use of booby-trap-like devices in a civilian area adhered to IHL obligations. 

The U.S. cannot ignore the gravity of this development. U.S.-supplied military technology and financial assistance have empowered Israel’s military dominance in the region, enabling destructive campaigns in Gaza, the West Bank, and throughout Lebanon. The U.S. has both a moral and legal responsibility to ensure that its security assistance is not being used to violate international law or endanger civilian populations. The use of clandestine tactics, like supply chain infiltration, to target civilians and civilian infrastructure crosses a dangerous line.

The use of clandestine tactics, like supply chain infiltration, to target civilians and civilian infrastructure crosses a dangerous line.

To prevent further destabilization, the Biden administration must seriously consider halting weapons transfers to Israel. This action would send an unmistakable message: the United States will not condone military actions that violate international law or endanger civilian populations. The Biden administration must not allow Israel to continue operating unchecked, especially when it’s using covert means that disrupt and derail civilian life.

Ultimately, the Biden administration must use its influence to promote peace and de-escalation. Halting arms transfers to Israel is a crucial first step toward reducing tensions, protecting civilians, and preventing further escalation in Lebanon and the region in the midst of an already devastating conflict.

CIP Logo Wordless Transparent