On 10 November 2024, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu publicly acknowledged his approval of a string of deadly pager attacks targeting Hezbollah in September. This marked the first time Israel has admitted its involvement in the attacks, which had devastating consequences for the Iran-backed militant group.
The Pager Attacks
The attacks took place on 17 September 2024, when thousands of pagers exploded in southern Beirut and other Hezbollah strongholds—triggering chaos and tragedy. Many of these devices detonated after beeping, which signalled an incoming message.
- 39 people were killed.
- Over 3,400 individuals were injured, with many suffering severe injuries, including eye injuries and amputations.
- Hezbollah described the incident as the “biggest security breach” in nearly a year of conflict.
Netanyahu’s Admission
According to Omer Dostri, Netanyahu’s spokesman, the Prime Minister confirmed during a cabinet meeting that he had greenlit the pager operation, despite opposition from senior defence officials.
Prior to these attacks, Israel had been engaged in ongoing military operations against Hezbollah following the outbreak of conflict in October—triggered by Hamas’s attack on Israel on 7 October.
Hezbollah’s Response
In the wake of the pager explosions, Hezbollah launched low-intensity strikes against Israel. The group vowed to retaliate, escalating the already volatile situation in the region with further attacks.
This marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, raising concerns about the potential for further violence and destabilisation in the region.