Hezbollah Marks Anniversary of Pager Attacks with Defiant Video

Hezbollah marked the one-year anniversary of the devastating September 17-18, 2024, pager and walkie-talkie explosions in Lebanon with a propaganda video titled "We Have Recovered" (تعافينا), aired on its Al-Manar network. The group’s new Secretary-General, Sheikh Naim Qassem, is scheduled to deliver a speech today to reinforce unity and resilience, as the organization seeks to project strength following the attack that killed nearly 3,000 and injured over 12,000, widely attributed to Israel.

The 2024 attacks, which detonated explosives hidden in pagers and radios across Lebanon, targeted Hezbollah operatives but also killed civilians in public spaces, including markets and homes. The operation, linked to Israel’s Mossad through devices supplied via Hungary’s BAC Consulting and Taiwan’s Gold Apollo, was followed days later by the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in an Israeli airstrike on September 27, 2024. Qassem, a long-time deputy, took over on October 29, 2024, amid significant losses, including 450 fighters and key

Qassem’s address, set for 8:00 p.m. local time on Al-Manar, aims to rally supporters and frame the attacks as part of a “Zionist conspiracy” against Hezbollah’s resistance. The speech follows a year of intense Israeli strikes, over 9,400, killing 690, including 136 civilians and Hezbollah’s retaliation with 10,000 rockets, killing 46 Israelis and displacing 60,000. Sources indicate Qassem will emphasize restored communication systems and military readiness despite internal challenges.

The “We Have Recovered” video, shared widely on Arabic social media, showcases stories of fighters and civilians overcoming injuries, with messages like: “Despite the wounds, pain, and exhaustion, we continue the path with God’s help.” It claims the attack sought to “kill 4,000 in one minute” but failed to break Hezbollah’s spirit. Qassem’s absence from the video has fueled speculation about his limited popularity compared to Nasrallah.

Hezbollah’s recovery narrative masks significant setbacks. The pager attack disrupted its command structure, with 25% of injuries affecting operatives’ eyes and faces, impairing functionality. Israel’s subsequent strikes destroyed 1,800 residential units in Beirut and depleted Hezbollah’s estimated 150,000-rocket arsenal, though precision-guided missiles remain. Iran’s support has waned due to its focus on nuclear talks and domestic issues, leaving Hezbollah financially strained under U.S. sanctions.

Qassem, a cleric with less military clout, faces skepticism within Hezbollah’s Shiite base, exacerbated by Lebanon’s economic crisis and displacement of supporters. X posts from accounts like @LebUpdate reflect mixed sentiments, with some praising Hezbollah’s defiance and others noting Qassem’s struggle to lead. Lebanese outlets like Al-Akhbar and Al-Mayadeen have highlighted Hezbollah’s efforts to rebuild, but defections and morale issues persist.

For anyone feeling sorry for Hezbollah, remember last year when they happily blew up 12 Druze children playing soccer one Saturday afternoon in Majdal Shams?

What goes around, comes around.