UPDATE
REUTERS is currently reporting that the exploding pagers, which have now reportedly killed 12 and injured almost 3,000 persons, did not explode due to manipulation and overheating of the lithium batteries, but because of the implanting of a small explosive material in the pagers during the manufacturing process.
A senior Lebanese security source identified a photograph of the model number AR-924 pager, which Hezbollah fighters have been using evade Israeli location-tracking, and stated that the pagers were modified by Israel’s spy service “at the production level” and that “Mossad injected a board inside of the device that has explosive material that receives a code.”
An additional, unidentified security source stated that up to three grams of explosives were hidden in the new pagers that had gone “undetected” by Hezbollah for months.
Israel has not responded to requests for information regarding the allegations.
The updated REUTERS report may be read in full HERE.
Here is the original FGGAM report:
REUTERS reports that today (9/17/2024), at approximately 3:45 PM local (Lebanon) time, at least eight people were killed and 2,750 others were wounded – including Hezbollah fighters, medics and Iran’s envoy to Beirut – when their pagers exploded across Lebanon.
Lebanon’s Information Minister, Ziad Makary, condemned the detonation of the pagers as an “Israeli aggression.” The Israel Defense Forces (“IDF”) declined to comment regarding the detonations.
The REUTERS report may be read in full HERE.
The Associated Press (“AP News”) is also reporting in this matter, stating that the brand of handheld pagers used by Hezbollah first heated up and then exploded, killing at least two of its members and wounding others. Hospital emergency rooms in Lebanon were overloaded with patients, many of them with injuries to their limbs, some in serious condition.
A Hezbollah official who spoke with AP News on the condition of anonymity, stated that “the enemy [Israel] stands behind this security incident” and added that the new pagers carried by Hezbollah members had lithium batteries that apparently exploded.
Lithium batteries, when overheated, can smoke, melt and even catch on fire. Rechargeable lithium batteries are used in consumer products ranging from cellphones and laptops to electric cars, and can burn up to 590 C (1,100 F).
The AP News report may be read in full HERE.
Fox 11 (Los Angeles, CA) has uploaded a video of one of the pagers exploding to YouTube:
My brothers and sisters, if a nation state, such as Israel or another country, is capable of using IT resources to perform a successful cyberattack that triggers lithium batteries to explode (and only in a certain brand and/or network), then one can be assured that country already knows much about the communication networks of Hezbollah and is right now utilizing powerful intelligence assets to actively monitoring all Hezbollah communications. This would, presumably, provide incredibly detailed information (intelligence) as to the operations, plans and locations of Hezbollah operatives.
Whether it’s Iran, Hezbollah or Hamas, it should never be forgotten or minimized that the warfighting abilities of nuclear-armed and IT-proficient, modern Western nations are staggering!
As a reminder, Hezbollah has taken over Lebanon in a manner similar to what Hamas has done in Israel’s Gaza Strip and the West Bank, to the detriment of Lebanon’s non-Muslin and peaceful citizens. With Hezbollah supported by Iran and Israel ready to effect a major assault against Hezbollah at any moment, the situation is highly volatile.
Let’s pray for all of the people of Lebanon, asking for God’s will to be done, that the Christian faith would see a resurgence, and for protection upon all of the non-militant citizens – including the children of Hezbollah members – who may have been swept up in this pager attack and injured.
Let’s also continue to pray for the protection of the Jewish people (God’s chosen people), the state of Israel, and all of the persons suffering and at mortal risk, whether they are abducted hostages, military members or displaced citizens (including those Palestinians in the Gaza Strip who are suffering greatly) – seeking a quick and just end to the Israel-Hamas War, without the need for further escalation against Iran, Hezbollah or Hamas.
According to the Bible, we have no need to be anxious, but instead, we are to let our requests be known to God through prayer:
Philippians 4:6-7 (NKJV)
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”
The Bible tells us that NOTHING is impossible for God:
Matthew 19:26 (NKJV)
“But Jesus looked at them and said to them, ‘[w]ith men this is impossible, but with God all things are possible [emphasis mine].’”
The Bible tells us to pray for our leaders (those in high places):
1 Timothy 2:1-3 (ESV)
“First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior…”.
And, as difficult as it is for us to sometimes accept, the Bible also reminds us that there are times when war becomes necessary:
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (Amplified Bible)
A Time for Everything
“There is a season (a time appointed) for everything and a time for every delight and event or purpose under heaven—[a] time to be born and a time to die; [a] time to plant and a time to uproot what is planted. A time to kill and a time to heal; [a] time to tear down and a time to build up. A time to weep and a time to laugh; [a] time to mourn and a time to dance. A time to throw away stones and a time to gather stones; [a] time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing. A time to search and a time to give up as lost; [a] time to keep and a time to throw away. A time to tear apart and a time to sew together; [a] time to keep silent and a time to speak. A time to love and a time to hate; [a] time for war and a time for peace [emphasis mine].”