A new biography on Palantir co-founder and CEO Alex Karp has made the explosive claim that the U.S. data-analytics firm’s technology was used by Israel in the highly secretive and lethal “Grim Beeper” operation in Lebanon in September 2024, where thousands of communication devices were turned into remotely detonated bombs. The revelations further entangle the Silicon Valley giant in controversial military operations, leading to renewed calls for sanctions and legal action.
Palantir’s Alleged Role in “Grim Beeper”
The attack, which occurred on September 17, 2024, saw thousands of devices—primarily pagers and walkie-talkies—explode simultaneously across Hezbollah strongholds in Lebanon, including Beirut and the Bekaa valley.
* The Operation: The devices, many of which were Gold Apollo AR-924 pagers and ICOM walkie-talkies secretly modified in the supply chain to contain the explosive PETN in their batteries, detonated in a coordinated, synchronized manner. Some devices reportedly buzzed or showed error messages to lure users closer before detonation.
* Casualty Toll: The consecutive blasts, including follow-up explosions at funerals, left at least 42 people dead and thousands wounded, many with severe injuries to their faces, hands, and eyes. Dozens of civilians were killed or injured, despite the primary targets being Hezbollah members.
* Technology Use: The biography claims Palantir’s technology was instrumental in the attack. It is suggested that the demand for the company’s assistance was so high that engineers had to be flown in from London to support the operation. While Israel has never confirmed responsibility, officials reportedly viewed the operation as a success.
UN Condemnation and War Crimes Accusations
The nature of the attack, targeting thousands of devices simultaneously, drew immediate and severe international condemnation.
* “Terrifying” Violation: UN human rights experts condemned the malicious manipulation of the devices as “terrifying” violations of international law. They stated that simultaneous attacks by thousands of devices inevitably violate humanitarian law by failing to distinguish between protected civilians and those involved in hostilities.
* Call for Accountability: The UN experts warned that such attacks could constitute “war crimes of murder, attacking civilians, and launching indiscriminate attacks”. They urged the UN to carry out a prompt, thorough, and impartial investigation and called on States to bring those responsible to justice.
Palantir’s Broader Role in Israeli Operations
The alleged role in “Grim Beeper” adds to the existing allegations regarding Palantir’s deep integration with the Israeli military apparatus.
* AI Targeting in Gaza: Palantir has been named in a UN report (A/HRC/59/23) that alleges the company is supplying advanced AI-driven targeting systems to the Israeli military, which critics claim facilitates mass civilian deaths in Gaza. The company agreed to a “strategic partnership” with the Israeli Defense Ministry in January 2024, selling them an advanced AI platform.
* Predictive Policing: The UN Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories reported that Palantir has supplied predictive policing technology and core defense infrastructure, including the AI platform that powers systems like “Lavender” and “Gospel” to generate target lists.
* Official Stance: CEO Alex Karp has been one of the most vocal voices in Silicon Valley supporting Israel, even holding a company board meeting in Tel Aviv in January 2024 to show solidarity. Palantir has declined to comment directly on the specific allegations regarding the pager attack.
