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Netanyahu Presents Trump with Gold-Plated Pager Symbolizing Strategic Shift Against Hezbollah
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently presented President Donald Trump with an unusual yet symbolic gift: a gold-plated pager. This gesture occurred during Netanyahu’s visit to Washington, D.C., and highlights a significant moment in the ongoing conflict with Hezbollah.
Symbolism Behind the Gift
The pager is a reference to a contentious operation attributed to Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency, which took place on September 17, 2024. During this operation, thousands of pagers, radio devices, and walkie-talkies exploded simultaneously across Lebanon and Syria, dramatically altering the dynamics of the conflict at approximately 3:30 p.m.
A Turning Point in the War
According to a statement from Netanyahu’s office, the gold-plated pager serves as a powerful symbol of his strategic decision that marked a turning point in the war against Hezbollah. “This strategic operation reflects Israel’s strength, technological supremacy, and tactical ingenuity in confronting its adversaries,” the statement read.
The Visual Impact
An image shared by Fox News Digital showcased the pager mounted on a wooden plaque, inscribed with a noteworthy instruction: “Press with both hands,” accompanied by a double downward arrow sign. This was also the same message reportedly displayed moments before the explosion of the devices, creating a chilling link to the past events.
Messages of Alliance
The plaque accompanying the pager expressed gratitude to Trump, labeling him as Israel’s “greatest friend and ally.” This sentiment reflects the close ties between the two leaders and emphasizes their mutual objectives regarding regional security and stability.
Public and International Reaction
Netanyahu’s office has publicly addressed the controversy surrounding the military strike against Hezbollah for the first time following this high-profile gift. Although the goal was to target Hezbollah terrorists, the widespread attacks have been heavily criticized for their impact on civilians. The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) reported that at least 32 individuals were killed and over 3,200 were injured during these incidents.
Condemnation from Human Rights Experts
The U.N. Human Rights experts have condemned the operation, classifying the attacks as potential “war crimes.” According to one expert, the attacks constitute a violation of the fundamental human right to life. They emphasized that there needs to be an impartial investigation to establish accountability for such acts of violence.
Perceived Success Amidst Criticism
In contrast to the criticisms, Israeli officials have praised the operation as a significant psychological victory over Hezbollah. Netanyahu’s government views this operation as a testament to Israel’s military capabilities, despite the criticisms surrounding the collateral damage incurred.
Delayed Acknowledgment of Israeli Involvement
While Israel’s involvement in the controversial operation was widely speculated, official confirmation had been absent until recently. Reports have surfaced revealing remarks made by Netanyahu during a Cabinet meeting in November 2024, indicating that the operation was conducted against the recommendations of several high-ranking officials within the defense establishment.
Looking Ahead
As tensions continue to escalate in the region, the implications of this strategic operation and the ensuing reactions from both local and international bodies will likely shape future discussions surrounding Israeli defense policies and humanitarian considerations.
Neither the White House nor the United Nations has provided a response to requests for comment regarding this complex situation.
Reporting by Yael Rotem-Kuriel contributed to this article.
