Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly admitted for the first time that he approved a deadly operation targeting Hezbollah in September. The attack, which involved booby-trapped pagers and walkie-talkies, killed nearly 40 people and injured around 3,000.
Netanyahu’s spokesperson, Omer Dostri, confirmed the statement, marking a significant shift in Israel’s previously ambiguous stance on the incident.
The admission follows Lebanon’s formal complaint to the United Nations. Lebanese Labour Minister Moustafa Bayram traveled to Geneva to present the case at the International Labor Organization.
“This sets a dangerous precedent,” Bayram said, emphasizing that turning everyday objects into weapons poses a severe threat to international humanitarian law.
The Lebanese investigation revealed that the pagers had been tampered with before being delivered to Hezbollah. Reports suggest that Hungary-based BAC Consulting manufactured the devices for Taiwanese company Gold Apollo, allegedly under Israeli direction.
The attacks occurred amidst escalating hostilities. Since October 7, 2023, Hezbollah has launched strikes against Israel in solidarity with Hamas. In response, Israel has intensified its air campaign in Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah strongholds and deploying ground troops in southern Lebanon.
Analysts warn that the use of booby-trapped devices could inspire similar tactics worldwide, raising concerns about the future of warfare. The international community now awaits further developments as the UN considers Lebanon’s complaint.
