Netanyahu Gifts Trump Golden Pager in Nod to Lebanon Explosions

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presented former President Donald Trump with a golden pager during their meeting at the White House this week, a gesture linked to Israel's covert military operations in Lebanon and Syria. 

Netanyahu's office shared a photo of the gift, which commemorates the deadly explosive attacks in September that resulted in dozens of deaths and thousands of injuries. A plaque accompanying the golden pager praised Trump as "our greatest friend and greatest ally."

Additionally, Netanyahu gave Trump a regular pager. In response to the gift, Trump reportedly remarked, "That was a great operation," according to an Israeli official.

The explosions, which occurred on September 17, were part of a covert Israeli operation targeting Hezbollah. The attacks killed at least 37 people in Lebanon, including 12 civilians, and injured over 2,900 others. Among the civilian casualties were two children, an 8-year-old girl and an 11-year-old boy. The operation also injured 14 individuals in Syria in targeted strikes against Hezbollah members.

Hezbollah condemned the attack, holding Israel responsible for the deaths and injuries. The United Nations’ special coordinator for Lebanon described the operation as a “highly concerning escalation” in an already volatile region.

Netanyahu's office stated that the golden pager symbolizes his decision that shifted the course of the conflict and marked a turning point in Israel’s efforts to weaken Hezbollah’s resolve. It also highlighted Israel’s military power and technological superiority in dealing with its enemies.

The White House has yet to comment on the gift.