Israeli spies infiltrated the Hezbollah stronghold in Beirut under fire, planting devices that guided airstrikes that killed Hassan Nasrallah, top commanders and hundreds of fighters, in an operation that reshaped the war in Lebanon
Some Israeli security officials say preparations for the covert pagers operation were simple compared with the planning that went into a different mission, carried out under fire and at grave risk to Mossad operatives.
That mission unfolded in September 2023, as Israeli warplanes pounded Hezbollah strongholds in Beirut’s southern suburb of Dahieh. Several operatives slipped into Haret Hreik, a densely built Shiite neighborhood, carrying carefully disguised packages. They knew full well that if Hezbollah men caught them, death was certain. And if the devices in their hands were discovered, Israel’s security would face a devastating blow.
The Mossad team crept through narrow alleys, hugging walls, hoping their handler had coordinated with the IDF so the air force would not bomb the very path they were taking. Their destination was a high-rise apartment block. Beneath it sat Hezbollah’s most sensitive secret — the underground bunker serving as its main command headquarters.
Intelligence delivered to Unit 8200 and Military Intelligence indicated that Hezbollah’s leader Hassan Nasrallah was scheduled to meet there with Iran’s Quds Force commander in Lebanon, Gen. Abbas Nilforoushan, and Hezbollah’s southern front chief, Ali Karaki, who was viewed as a possible successor to Nasrallah.