Live Update 
From the Liveblog of
Friday, September 20, 2024
From the Liveblog of
Friday, September 20, 2024
Intel official to ABC News: Device blasts op was likely in the works for 15 years
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A photo taken on September 18, 2024, in Beirut's southern suburbs shows the remains of exploded pagers on display at an undisclosed location. The pagers were used by Hezbollah and the attack has been blamed on Israel. (AFP)
A US intelligence official tells ABC News Israel likely planned the exploding Hezbollah devices operation for some 15 years.
Such an operation would necessitate a lengthy process of setting up shell companies, with multiple layers of subterfuge in order for agents to insert themselves into the supply chain, the source told the network.
Some of those involved would not be aware they were serving Israeli intelligence, the official added.
The source also noted that the CIA had avoided using such an attack in the past due to what was considered a high risk to civilians.
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