Netanyahu Confirms He Okayed Pager Attacks That Killed Nearly 40 In Lebanon
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly confirmed his approval of a controversial operation involving the detonation of pagers used by Hezbollah, which resulted in the deaths of nearly 40 individuals and injuries to over 3,000 others. This admission marks the first time Israel has officially acknowledged its involvement in these attacks, which occurred in mid-September 2024.During a cabinet meeting on November 10, 2024, Netanyahu stated that he “greenlighted” the operation targeting Hezbollah communications devices. His spokesperson, Omer Dostri, conveyed this information to news agencies, highlighting that the explosions were part of a strategic initiative against the Iran-backed militant group. The attacks took place between September 17 and 18, when thousands of pagers exploded across various locations in Lebanon, including supermarkets and public spaces.
The Lebanese government has reacted strongly to these events, filing a complaint with the United Nations’ International Labour Organization (ILO). Lebanese officials have described the attacks as an “egregious war against humanity,” emphasizing the humanitarian impact of such military actions. The operation reportedly involved remotely triggered explosives integrated into the pagers, which were designed to evade Israeli surveillance.
In addition to the pager attacks, Netanyahu also mentioned that Israeli forces conducted a precision strike that killed Hezbollah’s leader, Hassan Nasrallah. This escalation in military actions comes amid heightened tensions in the region following ongoing conflicts between Israel and Hezbollah, particularly after Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
The aftermath of these operations has seen a significant increase in hostilities, with Hezbollah launching retaliatory strikes against Israel and Iran reportedly firing missiles at Israeli targets in response to these developments.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has publicly confirmed that he authorized a series of pager attacks against Hezbollah in Lebanon, which resulted in nearly 40 deaths and approximately 3,000 injuries. This acknowledgment came during a cabinet meeting on November 10, 2024, where his spokesperson, Omer Dostri, stated that Netanyahu “greenlighted” the operation that took place on September 17 and 18 of this year.
The attacks involved the detonation of thousands of pagers and walkie-talkies used by Hezbollah operatives. These devices exploded in various locations, including supermarkets and public gatherings, within a short time frame. The operation was described as a significant blow to Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militant group, which had been using these communication devices to evade Israeli surveillance.
Netanyahu’s admission follows a complaint filed by the Lebanese government with the United Nations’ International Labour Organization, labeling the attacks as an “egregious war against humanity.” Lebanese officials have condemned the strikes, arguing that they represent a dangerous precedent where everyday objects can be weaponized. The Lebanese Labour Minister characterized the incident as part of a broader assault on civilian life and technology.
In addition to acknowledging the pager attacks, Netanyahu also indicated that Israeli forces had targeted and killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah as part of this military operation. He noted that these actions were taken despite opposition from some senior officials within Israel’s defense establishment.
This development adds another layer to the ongoing tensions between Israel and Hezbollah amid a broader regional conflict that has escalated significantly since October 2023, following a major attack by Hamas on Israel. The situation remains volatile as both sides prepare for potential retaliatory actions in response to these events.
