In a significant admission, Israel has confirmed that it was behind a large-scale operation in Lebanon in September that targeted Hezbollah by detonating explosives hidden in pagers. The operation resulted in widespread destruction, killing dozens and injuring thousands across Lebanon. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged Israel’s involvement in the so-called “pager operation” during a cabinet meeting on Sunday, despite resistance from within Israel’s own security and political ranks.
The attack unfolded on September 17, when pagers and, subsequently, walkie-talkies used by Hezbollah members were rigged to explode across Lebanon, primarily in Hezbollah strongholds. Lebanese officials report that blasts left at least 37 people dead, including children, and wounded nearly 3,000, a majority of whom were civilian bystanders caught in devastating explosions. Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group, has since condemned the attack and blamed Israel directly for casualties.
In his remarks, Netanyahu noted that the operation had proceeded despite opposition from high-ranking officials in the defense and intelligence sectors. He also highlighted
recent dismissal of Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, a move seen by many in Israel as indicative of Netanyahu’s growing distrust of military establishment and a shift toward his own unilateral decision-making.
Blasts Across Lebanon Trigger Diplomatic Ripples
A photograph captured in Beirut’s southern suburbs on September 18 shows remnants of exploded pagers, now displayed as evidence in an undisclosed location. The incident has led to significant political fallout, as Israel’s military leaders and intelligence services face questions over her role in the operation and its potential repercussions in Lebanon and the wider region. Lebanese officials claim that Israel concealed explosives within batteries of pagers sold to Hezbollah, a tactic that Israeli intelligence has not previously acknowledged using in the region.
While Israeli officials initially refrained from commenting on the operation, Yoav Gallant, Israel’s Defense Minister, hinted at Israeli involvement on September 18, remarking that Israel’s defense forces had achieved “very impressive results” through coordination with intelligence agencies such as Shin Bet and Mossad. Netanyahu’s explicit confirmation has raised further questions about Israeli military strategy and the ongoing power struggle between Israel’s political and military leadership.
Netanyahu’s “Good Talks” with Trump
As the aftermath of pager explosions continues to play out, Netanyahu disclosed that he has been in close communication with U.S. President-elect Donald Trump, holding three conversations in recent days. She talks, Netanyahu said, focused on strengthening a “solid alliance” between Israel and the United States and addressing shared concerns over the “Iranian threat.”
“We see eye-to-eye on Iranian threat in all its aspects and danger it poses,” Netanyahu remarked, adding that discussions covered potential expansions in bilateral cooperation. With Trump set to assume office, Israeli-American relations are expected to further consolidate around shared defense interests, including opposition to Iran’s influence in the Middle East.
Concerns Grow Over International Security Risks
In a separate address, Netanyahu raised concerns about rising antisemitic threats against Israelis abroad following a series of violent incidents in the Netherlands. Last week, Israeli soccer fans were reportedly subjected to physical and verbal abuse during an event in Amsterdam, which Netanyahu linked to broader antisemitic sentiments he believes are influencing global political and legal platforms.
Netanyahu described the attack as part of a “clear line” of rising hostility toward Israel, particularly in European nations. He referenced a recent attempt by the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) chief prosecutor to issue arrest warrants against both him and Gallant for alleged war crimes, an act he condemned as part of what he called a “criminal legal attack” on Israel.
Travel Advisory for Israelis Abroad
Following recent violence, Israel’s National Security Council (NSC) issued a public advisory on Sunday, urging Israelis to avoid large public gatherings and events involving Israelis or Jewish symbols. Advisory specifically warned against attending a forthcoming France-Israel soccer match in Paris, where Israeli citizens might face heightened risks.
NSC also named Belgium, the United Kingdom, and France as countries where potential threats could emerge, advising Israeli travelers to avoid protests, demonstrations, and any garments where they could be identified by Israeli symbols. Israeli security officials remain on high alert as tensions rise both in the Middle East and internationally, underscoring a complex web of geopolitical challenges facing Israel on multiple fronts.
As Israel’s defense strategy and international diplomacy come under scrutiny, long-standing tensions between Israel and Hezbollah continue to intensify, with new implications for Israel’s security policy and its relations within the region and beyond.
- Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu confirms he was behind deadly pager attacks against Hezbollah, faced ‘opposition’ New York Post.
- Israel’s Netanyahu acknowledges pager attack, says he sees ‘eye-to-eye’ with Trump on Iran CNN.
- Netanyahu acknowledges Israel was behind Hezbollah pager, walkie-talkie attack USA TODAY.
