Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has, for the first time, publicly confirmed his approval of a covert operation targeting Hezbollah operatives in September, revealing his role in a highly sophisticated series of attacks that have inflamed tensions across the region. During a closed-door cabinet meeting, Netanyahu reportedly admitted to authorizing the use of explosive-laden pagers and walkie-talkies against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, despite significant opposition from senior defense and political figures.
"The pager operation and the elimination of [Hezbollah leader Hassan] Nasrallah were carried out despite the opposition of senior officials in the defense establishment and those responsible for them in the political echelon," Netanyahu is quoted as saying during the meeting, according to leaks reported in Hebrew media.
The attacks, which took place on September 17 and 18, involved the detonation of thousands of pagers and walkie-talkies in Hezbollah-controlled areas of Lebanon and parts of Syria. Devices distributed to Hezbollah members suddenly began to heat up and exploded, resulting in at least 39 deaths and over 3,400 injuries, according to Lebanese health authorities. Among those affected were members of Hezbollah, including fighters and affiliates, as well as Tehran's ambassador to Lebanon, Mojtaba Amani. The highly orchestrated attacks were reportedly years in the making, reflecting Israel's extensive intelligence-gathering efforts aimed at weakening Hezbollah's capabilities.
Netanyahu's admission is a rare acknowledgment from Israel, which has historically refrained from publicly claiming responsibility for targeted operations against Hezbollah and other militant groups. His statements underscore both the gravity of the operation and the internal divisions within Israel's political and military establishment regarding its execution.
The operation's aftermath has left Hezbollah reeling, with a senior official describing it as "the biggest security breach" in the group's longstanding conflict with Israel. Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, who was reportedly targeted for elimination, described the attacks as "a declaration of war." In response, Hezbollah vowed retaliation, further escalating hostilities in the region.
Netanyahu's confirmation comes amid a broader context of heightened conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, marked by nearly a year of rocket and drone attacks originating from Lebanon. The situation worsened after Hamas's October 7 massacre, prompting cross-border skirmishes and escalating violence. Israeli forces have faced frequent confrontations along the northern border, leading to the evacuation of tens of thousands of residents from towns near Lebanon.
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who has repeatedly clashed with Netanyahu, was reportedly sidelined in the lead-up to the operation. Their strained relationship dates back to Gallant's dismissal and subsequent reinstatement earlier in 2023. Gallant's focus on shifting military efforts to the northern front, along with his calls for a state commission of inquiry into security oversights, have placed him at odds with the prime minister. In a recent press conference, Gallant attributed his dismissal to his stance on several key security issues, including the drafting of Haredi men into the IDF and the imperative of securing the release of hostages held by Hamas.
The attacks on Hezbollah were followed by a wave of Israeli airstrikes aimed at dismantling the group's command structure and reducing the threat to Israel's northern communities. The ongoing conflict has resulted in significant casualties, with Lebanon reporting a death toll surpassing 3,000, according to the country's health ministry. The IDF estimates that around 3,000 Hezbollah operatives have been killed, with additional fatalities among other militant groups.
