Netanyahu admitted orchestrating the deadly pager bombings in Lebanon and authorizing Nasrallah’s assassination, while hinting at future escalation against Iran.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has, for the first time, publicly discussed details surrounding Israel’s pager bombing massacre, as well as the assassination of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah in Lebanon and other regional developments.

In an interview reported by the Israeli newspaper Maariv, Netanyahu revealed that Israel had “set a date for war in the north” when intelligence reportedly indicated that “Hezbollah had sent two pagers to Iran for testing.” 

He said, “I asked, ‘When did this happen?’ They replied, ‘A week ago.’ I said, ‘What?’ I immediately gathered the heads of the institution and decided to carry out the Pagerat operation.”

The Pager operation, an Israeli act of state terrorism, targeted pagers and communication devices used by Hezbollah and civilian networks across Lebanon. 

The attacks, carried out through remotely detonated devices, resulted in mass casualties and widespread injuries among civilians, journalists, and medical personnel.

‘Use It or Lose It’ – Israel Launched Attack on Lebanon amid Fears of Being Exposed

In the interview, Netanyahu also addressed the Israeli assassination of Hezbollah Secretary-General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, confirming that internal disagreements delayed the decision. 

“We were in a cabinet meeting and there was no consensus,” he said. “I said I would think about it.” 

He later explained that while en route to the United Nations to deliver a speech, “I called on a secure line and decided: We will do it.” 

Netanyahu added that he chose not to inform Washington, claiming, “If we had told the Americans that we would target Nasrallah, the news would have leaked within five minutes.”

Speaking on tensions with Iran, Netanyahu declared that “the matter is not over,” noting that he had recently spoken with US President Donald Trump. 

‘Master of Resistance’ – Life and Legacy of Hezbollah’s Assassinated Leader Hassan Nasrallah

“We are prepared to do what is necessary if necessary,” he said, hinting at possible further military escalation. He also alluded to coordination with Trump over the attack on Qatar.

Netanyahu concluded by reaffirming his political ambitions, saying he intends to run in the upcoming elections and expressing confidence in his victory. 

Meanwhile, Maariv published a new opinion poll indicating that the ceasefire agreement and the return of Israeli prisoners have “strengthened the current government coalition by four seats.”

(PC, Al Mayadeen)