In a first-ever admission, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed during Sunday’s cabinet meeting that Israel was responsible for explosive attacks targeting Hezbollah communication devices across Lebanon and Syria in September. Thousands of pagers and walkie-talkies carried by Hezbollah operatives detonated on September 16 and 17, sparking panic and resulting in 37 fatalities and nearly 3,000 injuries, with several civilian bystanders affected. According to leaked reports, Netanyahu remarked, “The pager operation and the elimination of [Hezbollah leader Hassan] Nasrallah were conducted despite objections from senior defense officials.”

The covert operation came amidst rising hostilities, following a year of repeated rocket and drone attacks by Hezbollah on Israel, which intensified in October after an assault by Hamas on southern Israel. The escalated violence led to the evacuation of approximately 60,000 residents from northern Israeli towns along the Lebanon border. In response to Israel’s recent admission, Hezbollah blamed the country for the bombings, although Tel Aviv had previously refrained from issuing a formal statement.

The revelation has also heightened domestic political tensions within Israel. Netanyahu’s statement appeared to challenge the stance of former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who was removed from office earlier, reportedly due to differing views on security strategies, including judicial reforms, Haredi draft policies, and the need to repatriate hostages held in Gaza. Gallant, who led the Defense Ministry during heightened hostilities with Hamas and Hezbollah, had previously praised the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), Shin Bet, and Mossad for their achievements, seemingly alluding to the success of recent operations without naming specifics.

In response to the attacks, Lebanon experienced heightened anxiety, with reports of residents disposing of electronic devices out of fear. Lebanese authorities reported a significant impact on public morale, further exacerbated by rumors of hidden explosives in personal electronics. Meanwhile, a Hungarian company confirmed that the pagers involved in the blasts were manufactured in Hungary, and reports indicate that Israel had briefed U.S. officials following the operation.

As Netanyahu’s acknowledgment surfaces, this covert operation marks a new chapter in Israeli-Hezbollah relations and raises questions about the ongoing military and political strategies of both Israel and Hezbollah amidst an already fragile regional stability.