SOURCE: UNI
Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi praised Israel’s strategic brilliance in undermining the Iran-backed Hezbollah terror group, describing it as a “masterstroke” during the Chanakya Defence Dialogues. The move, which involved setting up a shell company to manufacture “explosive pagers” sent to Lebanon, played a crucial role in Israel’s long-term efforts to destabilize Hezbollah’s operations.
“The war does not start the day you start fighting; it starts the day you start planning,” General Dwivedi remarked, emphasizing the years of preparation Israel undertook to execute such an operation successfully. According to General Dwivedi, the move showcased Israel’s deep strategic foresight, a hallmark of modern warfare.
With the recent escalation of hostilities, Israel has shifted its military focus from the Gaza Strip to the northern border with Lebanon, where Hezbollah operates. In a series of targeted strikes, Israel managed to neutralize several high-ranking Hezbollah commanders, including its leader Hassan Nasrallah. This calculated effort to weaken the group demonstrated Israel’s advanced military strategy, supported by years of meticulous planning.
General Dwivedi further highlighted the critical role that Israel’s shell company played in manufacturing explosive pagers, which were used as a means of sabotage against Hezbollah. This covert approach was not an overnight tactic but the result of comprehensive intelligence-gathering and logistical planning.
General Dwivedi drew parallels between Israel’s actions and the potential lessons India could learn from them, particularly in terms of supply chain security. He warned that supply chain interruption and interception were crucial vulnerabilities that India must be mindful of in its defense planning.
“We have to be very watchful,” the Army Chief stressed, noting that India must implement robust layers of inspection—both technological and manual—to ensure its defense mechanisms remain secure from similar threats. He called for multi-tiered inspection protocols to prevent the type of sabotage witnessed in Lebanon from being replicated against Indian forces or assets.
Israel’s tactical ingenuity in undermining Hezbollah demonstrates the importance of covert operations, supply chain security, and long-term strategic planning. General Dwivedi’s remarks during the Chanakya Defence Dialogues highlight the critical lessons that India can draw from Israel’s approach, especially in safeguarding national defense from potential vulnerabilities.