Netanyahu okayed sabotage attack on pagers: Report

New Delhi, Nov 11: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a rare public admission, has confirmed Israel's involvement in a covert operation targeting Hezbollah’s communication network in Lebanon this past September, CNN reported.

Netanyahu disclosed to his cabinet that the "beeper operation," aimed at disabling pagers used by Hezbollah members, was conducted despite objections from senior figures within Israel's security and intelligence establishment. The revelation marks the first time Israel has officially acknowledged its role in the attack, which had been the subject of intense speculation.

The operation, carried out on September 17, involved a coordinated series of explosions that destroyed communication devices used by Hezbollah operatives, first targeting pagers and later walkie-talkies. The blasts resulted in at least 37 deaths including children, and injured nearly 3,000 people, many of them civilians, according to Lebanese health authorities.

The Israeli government’s decision to confirm the attack has been interpreted by local media as a thinly veiled critique of the military leadership, as well as then-Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, who was dismissed by Netanyahu shortly after the operation.

This acknowledgment comes amid heightened domestic political tension in Israel, with Netanyahu's government under scrutiny over several criminal investigations, including accusations of leaking falsified intelligence to international media, CNN reported.

Netanyahu's public comments are seen as an attempt to reassert his leadership and counter criticism from within the security establishment, which has reportedly been divided over the handling of the Hezbollah operation.

The repercussions of the operation have extended beyond the West Asia. The International Criminal Court's chief prosecutor has recently sought arrest warrants against both Netanyahu and the former defence Minister Gallant, citing potential war crimes and crimes against humanity related to the attack. These legal actions have intensified the scrutiny on Israel's military strategies and its handling of operations that have significant civilian impact.

Netanyahu has been engaged in multiple discussions with former U.S. President Donald Trump, since his victory, emphasising their shared stance on Iran. In remarks made before a cabinet meeting, Netanyahu described the conversations as “very good and very important,” highlighting a common view on the perceived threat posed by Iran.