In a recent visit to Washington D.C., Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presented President Donald Trump with a unique gift: a gold-plated pager. This unusual present symbolizes a controversial mass attack, attributed to Israel's Mossad intelligence agency, targeting Hezbollah on September 17, 2024. Thousands of pagers, radios, and similar devices detonated simultaneously across Lebanon and Syria, causing significant casualties.
Netanyahu's office described the pager as a representation of the pivotal decision leading to a turning point in the conflict and the beginning of Hezbollah's strategic decline. The operation, they stated, showcased Israel's technological prowess and tactical ingenuity. The pager, mounted on a wooden plaque, displays the message "Press with both hands" and a double downward arrow, mirroring the message reportedly displayed before the devices exploded. The plaque also hails Trump as Israel's "greatest friend and ally."
This marks the first public acknowledgment from Netanyahu's office regarding the summer strike. While aimed at Hezbollah, the attacks resulted in civilian casualties, including children. The UN Human Rights Office reported 32 deaths and 3,250 injuries, condemning the operation and characterizing the indiscriminate attacks as potential war crimes. Experts called for thorough investigations to ensure accountability.
Despite the limited number of terrorist fatalities, Israeli officials view the operation as a successful psychological maneuver against Hezbollah. Though Israel's involvement was suspected from the outset, this gift serves as the first official confirmation. Leaked comments from a November 2024 Cabinet meeting reveal Netanyahu's assertion that the operation, including the targeted elimination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, proceeded despite opposition from senior defense officials. This statement seemingly criticizes former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, dismissed by Netanyahu over disagreements concerning the war against Hamas and Hezbollah.
