What’s New: Israelis Believe Politics is Behind Movements in Defense Ministry
3:47 AM
A recent Channel 13 poll indicates that over 60 percent of Israelis think Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s potential decision to dismiss Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and appoint Gideon Sa’ar, leader of the New Hope party, is politically motivated. Of those surveyed, 63% believe the decision is driven by political considerations, while 24% think it’s for the country’s benefit. An additional Kan public broadcaster poll shows 49% oppose Gallant’s firing, with 54% believing it would harm Israel’s security. This comes despite broader political speculation on the motives behind these significant changes.
Why it Matters:
The belief that these decisions are mainly politically driven suggests a divided public opinion on the changes within the Defense Ministry, which could impact Israel’s internal stability and security perception. Amid tensions, it’s crucial for the leadership to maintain trust and demonstrate actions driven by national interest rather than mere political advantage.
Strategic Moves by Mossad Undermined Hezbollah’s Pagers
3:17 AM
Reports from a senior Lebanese security source reveal that Israel’s Mossad ingeniously planted explosives within pagers ordered by Hezbollah. Supposedly months in the making, the Mossad modified 5,000 Taiwan-made Gold Apollo AP924 pagers, embedding an explosive mechanism activated through coded messages. These modified pagers were made to appear ordinary but had deadly potential, demonstrating Mossad’s sophisticated approach to neutralizing threats posed by Hezbollah.
Why it Matters:
This operation underscores Israel’s advanced intelligence capabilities and its commitment to proactively safeguarding its citizens. By infiltrating Hezbollah’s communication devices, Mossad effectively disrupted the terror group’s operational efficiency. The move sends a strong message of deterrence, highlighting Israel’s strategic strength in preempting and countering terrorist activities.
Further Insights: Covert Success of Israeli Agencies
2:36 AM
The New York Times corroborates reports about Israeli agencies’ meticulous planning and execution regarding the explosive-laden pagers. More than 3,000 devices reportedly detonated following a coded trigger message, critically impacting Hezbollah’s network. The pagers, acquired following guidance from Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, aimed to reduce vulnerability to Israeli surveillance. However, this backfired significantly as numerous devices turned out to be an elaborate trap set by Mossad.
Why it Matters:
Successful covert operations like these bolster Israel’s security narrative and act as significant setbacks to hostile groups like Hezbollah. Such sophisticated countermeasures enhance Israel’s global strategic standing, showcasing its ability to innovatively and effectively counter threats. Additionally, it maintains the state’s edge in cybersecurity and espionage, important aspects of regional security dynamics.
This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.