Chaos Report: Weaponising Every-Day Tech

That our phones could be weaponised into micro bombs has thrust the world into a new era of threat and warfare, one that now surpasses national borders, city limits, and even personal space. Israel has made a clear statement through the ‘pager attack’, and it is not for Hezbollah alone. Either in its naivety or recklessness, Israel has changed the rules of the game through this attack, which presents 2 immediate dangers to the global society.

First, the Militarisation of every-day tech. The realisation that personal gadgets—phones, watches, and other devices—once designed for the benefit of humanity, can now be turned into micro-bombs we carry in our pockets fundamentally alters our concept and interaction with technology. If Israel has done this, could China have infected all Apple phones? Are Teslas moving bombs? In a world increasingly reliant on digitalisation and AI, Israel’s actions have opened a Pandora's box of fears and threats against technology for everyone in the world. It has militarised every-day tech into deadly bombs giving a new meaning and concept to our crucial tech. This will have very far reaching ramifications on how tech will advance in the future.

Second, the fear amongst even allies. What Israel unleashed in Lebanon by weaponising personal devices has disrupted the global power and threat matrix which isn’t perhaps visible on the surface at the moment. How so?

While Israel's enemies are likely in a state of shock, fear, and disarray at the audacity and sophistication of the attack, they are not the only ones at unease. There are two more sets of power holders that may have felt the pinch. First, intelligence agencies, military officials, and dictators worldwide are likely in awe of what they witnessed and are probably scrambling to develop similar capabilities—either to use against their enemies or, worse, against their own citizens who challenge their power and the status quo. Imagine a dictator in the Middle East, Africa or South Asia deciding to silence all journalists in a matter of minutes.

The second, and arguably larger, problem for Israel is that its actions may have caused panic among its own closest allies, including the US, UK, and European nations, who now likely view their own security as a matter of grave concern. It’s good to have a powerful ally, but only when that ally can be controlled and is expected to be a responsible ally.

Increasingly, there’s a recognition within American state institutions and political circles that Israel—especially under Netanyahu—may be out of control and becoming a liability for US strategic policy and domestic political interests.

Israel’s reckless demonstration of its power may or may not yield battlefield advantage, it will certainly come at a huge political cost for Israel in the global society, both amongst its enemies and especially amongst its allies.