Netanyahu Acknowledges Controversial Operations in Lebanon

In a significant admission, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed that he authorized an operation in September that resulted in a series of explosions targeting thousands of pagers and walkie-talkies used by Hezbollah operatives in Lebanon and Syria. During a cabinet meeting, Netanyahu revealed, “The pager operation and the elimination of (Hezbollah leader Hassan) Nasrallah were executed despite opposition from senior officials within the defense establishment and among those responsible in the political echelon,” as reported by local media.

On September 17, a wave of explosions disrupted the communication devices of Hezbollah members, with additional blasts occurring the following day. According to Lebanese health authorities, these attacks resulted in the deaths of 37 individuals and injuries to nearly 3,000 others. In response to the incidents, Lebanon has lodged a complaint against Israel with the United Nations’ Labour Organisation, claiming that many of the casualties were workers.

While Israel had not officially confirmed its involvement, former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant commented post-explosions that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) had achieved “remarkable results” in collaboration with the Shin Bet and Mossad, indicating a successful operation.

Escalation of Violence in the Region

In the wake of these events, Israeli airstrikes have continued to escalate, resulting in numerous casualties in both Lebanon and Gaza. On a recent Sunday, Netanyahu announced a conversation he had with President-elect Donald Trump, coinciding with airstrikes that claimed at least 23 lives, including the tragic loss of seven children, in the Aalmat village located north of Beirut.

The Israeli military stated that the airstrike targeted a Hezbollah site used for weapon storage, although this action is currently under review. Legislator Raed Berro criticized the strikes, asserting that no Hezbollah personnel or assets were present at the targeted location, claiming that it disproportionately affected innocent civilians.

Related Developments

• Israeli airstrikes on Gaza and Lebanon result in substantial civilian casualties.
• Netanyahu expresses alignment with Donald Trump regarding the Iranian threat.

On Monday morning, a separate strike in the central Gaza Strip, specifically in the urban Nuseirat refugee camp, resulted in the deaths of three individuals. According to Mohamed Muhareb, the head of the ambulance service, at least 24 people were transported to local hospitals following the incident. In northern Gaza, where conditions have deteriorated due to ongoing Israeli operations, 17 individuals were reported dead in the Jabaliya refugee camp, as confirmed by Dr. Fadel Naim, director of Al-Ahly Hospital in Gaza City. The IDF maintained that it targeted a site where militant activities were reported, and the situation is also under review.

Netanyahu and Trump: A Shared Perspective

Since the beginning of September, Israel’s military actions have penetrated deeper into Lebanon, culminating in the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah along with several high-ranking commanders of the group. Following Nasrallah’s death, the Biden administration renewed its calls for a ceasefire in the ongoing conflicts involving Israel against Hezbollah in Lebanon and Hamas in Gaza. However, efforts towards a ceasefire have faltered, with Qatar, a crucial mediator, announcing on Sunday the suspension of its diplomatic efforts until the involved parties demonstrate a genuine willingness to end the ongoing violence.

The election of Trump to the presidency may indicate a shift in the U.S. approach to the conflict, although specifics regarding his plans to halt the war have yet to be disclosed. Netanyahu noted that he and Trump have communicated three times since the election results, expressing their mutual understanding regarding the threats posed by Iran, a principal supporter of Hezbollah. During his first term, Trump withdrew the U.S. from the 2015 nuclear agreement with Iran and was a strong ally of Israel. Nevertheless, he has also voiced a preference for American isolationism, advocating for the cessation of overseas conflicts that he views as detrimental to U.S. resources that could be redirected towards domestic priorities.