A new wave of war erupted in Lebanon as electronic device explosions claimed the lives of at least 20 people and injured thousands last week. These devices, including pagers and walkie-talkies, detonated unexpectedly, plunging parts of the country into further instability.
The latest attacks come amid growing unrest across the Middle East, with Israel warning of a “new era of war” in its ongoing conflict with Hezbollah. Among the agencies shaping the region’s clandestine conflicts is Israel’s Mossad, known for its intelligence gathering and covert military actions.
Mossad and Israel’s Secret Military Units
Mossad, Israel’s foreign intelligence agency, has been instrumental in counter-terrorism efforts, intelligence collection, and conducting covert operations. Its role is often veiled in secrecy, directly reporting to the Israeli Prime Minister .
In the context of Lebanon and broader regional conflicts, Mossad’s operations often overlap with secret Israeli military units such as Sayeret Matkal, equivalent to the Seals in the US army, an elite force responsible for special reconnaissance and counter-terrorism.
These covert forces operate in the shadows, often striking in hostile territories to prevent threats against Israel. With the current escalation in Lebanon, speculation grows over Mossad’s involvement in the intelligence networks that fuel these tensions.
Israel’s military intelligence network consists of various secretive units that conduct high-stakes operations. Among these, several units stand out due to their specialized functions in intelligence gathering, cyber warfare, and covert missions:
Unit 8200
Unit 8200 is the largest unit in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and is often likened to the U.S. National Security Agency (NSA). It specializes in signal intelligence (SIGINT) and cyber warfare. Its responsibilities include intercepting enemy communications, breaking encrypted transmissions, and conducting offensive cyber operations. Unit 8200 has contributed to significant cybersecurity innovations and is known for technological superiority in the cyber domain. Additionally, many of Israel’s top tech entrepreneurs have served in this unit, making it a major talent incubator for the country’s high-tech sector.
Sayeret Matkal
Sayeret Matkal is Israel’s most elite special forces unit, tasked with conducting deep reconnaissance behind enemy lines and hostage rescue missions. It reports directly to the Special Operations Division of the IDF’s Military Intelligence Directorate. Known for secrecy and precision, Sayeret Matkal has been involved in some of Israel’s most famous missions, including the Entebbe raid in 1976, where they rescued over 100 hostages from a hijacked airplane in Uganda. The unit is frequently compared to other elite forces like the British SAS.
Unit 504
Unit 504 focuses on human intelligence (HUMINT) operations, which involves recruiting and managing spies and informants in enemy territories. The unit specializes in covert intelligence gathering, working closely with other IDF units to provide critical information for military operations. Unit 504 also plays a significant role in interrogation and managing counter-terrorism assets. Its operatives are known for their ability to operate covertly, even in hostile environments, making it a key element of Israel’s intelligence apparatus.
Unit 81
Unit 81 is a highly classified technical unit within the IDF, focused on the development of cutting-edge technologies for Israel’s special forces and intelligence units. It designs and supplies equipment for electronic warfare, surveillance devices, and other advanced tools used in covert operations. Unit 81 is often described as the innovation engine behind many of the IDF’s most sophisticated military technologies. These innovations are frequently used by elite forces like Sayeret Matkal in their high-stakes missions.
Shayetet 13
Shayetet 13 is the naval commando unit of the IDF, often compared to the U.S. Navy SEALs. Its missions include maritime sabotage, counter-terrorism, and rescue operations at sea. Shayetet 13 is known for underwater demolition and covert operations, often performing high-risk missions in hostile waters. This unit is key in securing Israel’s maritime borders and carrying out operations involving sea-based platforms or enemy naval assets.
Unit 9900
Unit 9900 is an intelligence unit specializing in geospatial intelligence (GEOINT). The unit processes and analyzes satellite imagery and other visual data to provide real-time intelligence for IDF operations. Unit 9900 is known for its expertise in mapping and terrain analysis, helping Israel prepare for land-based military campaigns or identify strategic targets. The unit’s work is critical for providing accurate information on enemy movements and terrain conditions.
These units play a crucial role in safeguarding Israeli security, often working behind the scenes on covert missions critical to national defense
Covert operations, cyber warfare, and intelligence networks now play a central role in shaping the outcome of these conflicts. The skillfulness and the scale of the recent explosions in Lebanon suggest that multiple intelligence agencies may be cooperating in clandestine operations.
