Statements from the U.S. State Department or White House

Netanyahu Admits Authorizing September Pager Attacks Killing 40 in Lebanon and Syria

Nov 10, 2024, 04:32 PM

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu admitted for the first time that he authorized the pager explosions targeting Hezbollah in Lebanon and Syria. Speaking during a government meeting, Netanyahu acknowledged Israel's responsibility for the attacks, which occurred in September and resulted in the deaths of nearly 40 people and injuries to over 3,000. The operation involved the explosion of hundreds of pagers and walkie-talkies used by Hezbollah operatives across Lebanon and Syria. Netanyahu noted that senior security officials and political leaders overseeing them opposed the operation, and he was warned by ministers that the attacks would be opposed by the United States. This admission marks the first public acknowledgment of Israel's involvement in the deadly attack against Hezbollah.