Netanyahu Confirms Approval of Pager Attacks That Killed Nearly 40 in Lebanon

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed that he approved the pager attacks in Lebanon, which resulted in the deaths of nearly 40 Hezbollah members and injuries to around 3,000 others. The attacks took place on September 17 and 18 in Hezbollah strongholds and were aimed at disrupting the group's communication network.

"Netanyahu confirmed Sunday that he greenlighted the pager operation in Lebanon," said his spokesperson Omer Dostri to AFP. The blasts were part of Israel’s response to escalating tensions after the October 7 attacks by Hamas, which led to Israel expanding its military focus to Hezbollah, an ally of Hamas.

The low-tech pagers, used by Hezbollah to avoid Israeli tracking, became explosive devices that inflicted severe injuries on the group’s members, including loss of eyesight and fingers. Hezbollah described the operation as an "Israeli breach" of their network and vowed retaliation.

In response to the attacks, Lebanon lodged a complaint with the United Nations’ Labour Agency, denouncing the operation as a "war against humanity." The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has intensified since the outbreak of war in Gaza, leading to significant casualties on both sides. In recent developments, Israel's military confirmed strikes on key Hezbollah figures and strongholds, including recent airstrikes near Lebanon's international airport.

This escalating violence has claimed over 3,000 lives in Lebanon due to Israeli strikes since October of last year.