A post shared on X claims that Hezbollah pagers are not a real thing.

“why do so many ‘health workers’ have Hezbollah Pagers?” because Hezbollah Pager isn’t a real thing. because that’s what happens supply chains are contaminated. just because the propaganda needs you to be very stupid to believe it doesn’t mean you’re obliged to become that stupid

— michael wave (@SzMarsupial) September 19, 2024

Verdict: Misleading

Hezbollah pagers are a real thing, distributed to those who work or are connected to the organization, according to multiple media reports.

Fact Check:

Walk-talkies blew up across Lebanon, leaving at least 20 people dead and hundreds more wounded, according to The Associated Press. This came a day after pagers across the country detonated, leaving 12 dead, including two children, the outlet reported.

Social media users are claiming that the pagers did not actually belong to Hezbollah, which is designated as a terrorist organization by the United States.

One user wrote, “why do so many ‘health workers’ have Hezbollah Pagers?” because Hezbollah Pager isn’t a real thing. because that’s what happens supply chains are contaminated. just because the propaganda needs you to be very stupid to believe it doesn’t mean you’re obliged to become that stupid.”

This claim is misleading. Hezbollah members used those pagers, according to The Associated Press. However, healthcare workers and others, such as teachers and civil workers, worked for Hezbollah-linked organizations, the outlet noted.

The Washington Post reported that many of the pagers were given to “active fighters,” while others who were in the reserve, logistics and worked for organizations, such as hospitals, were also given the devices. (RELATED: Beijing Claims’ Volt Typhoon’ Is A US Disinformation Campaign)

“Those who use the pagers are people who do not have just one job,” a Lebanese person close to Hezbollah told the Washington Post. A person named Ali said to the outlet that “everyone is part of the resistance” when asked why people were carrying pagers distributed by Hezbollah.

The pagers were reportedly manufactured by an Israeli front company registered in Hungary, according to The New York Times. The Israelis did not intercept any shipments of pagers and tamper with them.