Netanyahu gifts Trump controversial item that helped turned tide in war against Hezbollah

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made headlines during his recent visit to Washington, D.C., when he presented President Donald Trump with a unique gift – a gold-plated pager. This gesture was a symbolic nod to a controversial mass attack believed to have been carried out by Israel’s Mossad intelligence agency against Hezbollah on September 17, 2024.

The attack, which saw thousands of pagers, walkie-talkie-like devices, and radios simultaneously explode across Lebanon and Syria, marked a turning point in the war and led to Hezbollah’s strategic collapse. Netanyahu’s office stated that the pager symbolizes Israel’s strength, technological superiority, and tactical ingenuity in confronting its adversaries.

The pager, mounted on a wooden plaque with the message “Press with both hands,” was accompanied by a message calling Trump Israel’s “greatest friend and ally.” This gift was a symbolic gesture of gratitude for the strong relationship between the two leaders and their countries.

The strike against Hezbollah, while successful in targeting terrorists, also resulted in civilian casualties, including children. The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights reported 32 deaths and 3,250 injuries as a result of the attacks. U.N. experts condemned the operation, labeling it as a violation of human rights and potential war crimes.

Despite the controversy surrounding the attack, Israeli officials have praised it as a successful psychological blow to Hezbollah. Reports later revealed that Netanyahu had authorized the operation despite opposition from senior officials in the defense establishment and the political echelon.

The gift of the gold-plated pager and plaque served as a reminder of the strategic operation and its impact on Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hezbollah. The gesture highlighted the close relationship between Israel and the United States, as well as the complex geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East.

In conclusion, Netanyahu’s gift to Trump was not just a token of appreciation, but a symbol of the ongoing challenges and victories in the region. The relationship between the two leaders remains strong, as they continue to navigate complex international issues together.