Israel’s Shin Bet thwarts Hezbollah’s remote bombing plot targeting former security chief

The Israeli security agency, Shin Bet, on Tuesday (Sep 17)said that it had thwarted an attempt by Lebanon-based militant group Hezbollah to assassinate a former high-ranking Israeli security official using a remotely triggered explosive device, The Times of Israel reported.

According to the Shin Bet, the attack was planned to take place within the next few days. The agency linked the Hezbollah network behind this attempt to a bombing in Tel Aviv the previous year.

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As per The Times of Israel report, the agency said that it had found a Claymore-style anti-personnel mine, a weapon known to be used by Hezbollah, which was intended to target the former official. This bombhad a remote detonation system, a camera and a cellular connection, which would have allowed Hezbollah to set it off from Lebanon.

The former security official, whose name was not disclosed, was informed about the assassination plot by security personnel, according to The Times of Israel.

The agency said that the explosive device was similar to one used in a failed attack at Hayarkon Park on September 15, 2023. Two suspects, both Israeli citizens originally from the Palestinian town of al-Eizariya in the West Bank, were arrested in connection with the Hayarkon Park bombing.

Nine Hezbollah fighters dead, many injured as ‘Israel explodes’ pager devices

At least nine Hezbollah fighters and medics lost their lives, and 2,750 others were injured on Tuesday (Sep17), when communication pagers used by the Lebanon-based militant group unexpectedly exploded.

The Lebanese health ministry reported that over 200 individuals were critically injured in the incident. Hezbollah placed the blame squarely on Israel, stating, "We hold the Israeli enemy fully responsible for this criminal aggression." The group also warned that Israel "will certainly receive its just punishment for this sinful aggression."

According to Reuters, citing a source within Hezbollah, this incident is considered one of the group's largest security breaches since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict.

In a statement, Hezbollah confirmed that they are carrying out a "wide-ranging security and scientific investigation to determine" the cause of the explosions.

(With inputs from agencies)

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