Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Israel Netanyahu Gifts Golden Pager to President Trump during their meeting at the White House. The gift, which has sparked significant controversy, appears to reference a deadly Mossad operation conducted in Lebanon last year.
The operation targeted Hezbollah militants using explosive-laden pagers, resulting in numerous casualties. The meeting between the two leaders, long known for their strong political alliance, was marked by warm exchanges, with Trump reportedly praising the operation as a great success.
The exchange has reignited debates over the ethical implications of such covert military actions and their broader geopolitical consequences.
Symbolism Behind the Golden Pager
The golden pager gifted to Trump carries significant meaning, serving as both a tribute and a controversial reminder of Israel’s intelligence capabilities. Mounted on a tree trunk, the device bore the message, “Press with both hands,” alongside a plaque that read, “To President Donald J. Trump, Our greatest friend and greatest ally.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.” The reference was unmistakable—last year, on September 17, Mossad orchestrated a sophisticated attack in Lebanon, where pagers across the country began beeping simultaneously before exploding. The attack reportedly targeted Hezbollah operatives, killing dozens and injuring many others.
The choice of a pager as a symbolic gift is deeply tied to the historical use of such devices in covert operations. Pagers were once a common tool in espionage, allowing agents to communicate discreetly. However, in this case, they were weaponized in an unprecedented manner, turning an everyday communication device into a deadly trap.
The operation was seen as a major success by Israeli intelligence, crippling Hezbollah’s communication networks and eliminating key figures. By gifting the golden pager to Trump, Netanyahu appeared to be acknowledging the former president’s unwavering support for Israel and his role in strengthening U.S.-Israel relations during his administration.
Read : Criminal Investigation Launched Against Sara Netanyahu on Suspicion of Witness Harassment
Trump’s reaction further emphasized the significance of the gift. Upon receiving the golden pager, he reportedly remarked, “That was a great operation,” a statement that has drawn both praise and condemnation.
⚡️🇺🇸🇮🇱JUST IN:
— Suppressed News. (@SuppressedNws) February 6, 2025
The golden pager that Israeli PM Netanyahu gave to U.S President Trump during their meeting.
This is an open celebration of the Israeli terrorist pager attack in Lebanon, absolutely disgusting. pic.twitter.com/EylBMH7d74
While Israeli officials celebrated the acknowledgment of their intelligence prowess, critics argue that openly celebrating such an operation sets a dangerous precedent and could further inflame tensions in the region.
The Mossad Operation and Its Consequences
The operation referenced by Netanyahu’s gift was one of the most daring and technologically advanced attacks carried out by Israel’s intelligence agency, Mossad. On the morning of September 17, pagers across Lebanon simultaneously received an identical message before detonating.
The explosion killed dozens of Hezbollah members and reportedly injured civilians as well. The following day, Mossad executed another phase of the attack, using walkie-talkies rigged with explosives. Some of these devices were activated at funerals held for the victims of the pager attack, causing further casualties and chaos.
The attack was a direct response to escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, with both sides engaging in retaliatory strikes throughout 2024.
Israeli defense officials hailed the operation as a strategic victory, claiming it significantly weakened Hezbollah’s operational capabilities. The precision and scale of the attack demonstrated Israel’s ability to conduct highly coordinated cyber-physical warfare, utilizing seemingly innocuous devices to strike at its enemies.
However, the operation also sparked international outcry, with human rights organizations condemning the use of such tactics. Critics argue that the attack violated principles of proportionality and distinction, key tenets of international humanitarian law.
The indiscriminate nature of the attack, which reportedly harmed civilians, has led to calls for further investigations into Israel’s methods of warfare. Despite the controversy, the operation contributed to a shift in the conflict, leading to a ceasefire agreement in November 2024 that brought an end to months of hostilities.
Political Implications and Global Reactions
The exchange between Netanyahu and Trump has significant political implications, both domestically and internationally. For Netanyahu, the gesture reinforces his strong alliance with Trump, who remains an influential figure in American and global politics.
Trump’s administration was marked by several pro-Israel policies, including the recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, the U.S. withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal, and the brokering of the Abraham Accords.
By gifting the golden pager, Netanyahu is not only expressing gratitude but also signaling his continued reliance on Trump’s support amid ongoing geopolitical challenges.
In the United States, the meeting and the gift have sparked mixed reactions. Trump’s endorsement of the Mossad operation has been praised by his supporters, particularly within conservative circles that advocate for strong U.S.-Israel relations.
However, critics, including Democratic lawmakers and human rights activists, have condemned the open celebration of a covert military attack that resulted in significant loss of life. Some argue that glorifying such operations sets a dangerous precedent and could embolden further acts of state-sponsored violence.
On the international stage, the reaction has been equally divided. While Israeli officials view the gift as a testament to their successful intelligence operations, Arab nations and Hezbollah sympathizers see it as a provocation.
The Lebanese government has called for an investigation into the attack and urged the international community to hold Israel accountable for what they describe as a “blatant act of aggression.” Meanwhile, Iran, a key ally of Hezbollah, has condemned both Israel and Trump for celebrating the attack, warning of potential retaliatory measures.
As the geopolitical landscape continues to evolve, the symbolic golden pager remains a powerful reminder of the complexities of modern warfare and diplomacy.
While Netanyahu and Trump may view it as a token of friendship and shared strategic goals, its deeper implications highlight the ongoing tensions and ethical dilemmas surrounding state-sponsored intelligence operations.
let’s enjoy few years on earth with peace and happiness….✍🏼🙏