Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gifts President Donald Trump a golden pager, symbolizing a covert operation against Hezbollah that killed over 30 operatives.
Quick Takes
- Netanyahu presented Trump with two pagers, including a golden one, referencing a recent military operation against Hezbollah
- The operation involved detonating pagers used by Hezbollah, killing over 30 and injuring more than 3,400
- Trump praised the operation and gifted Netanyahu a signed photo of their meeting
- Discussions included proposals for American control over Gaza and potential population transfers
- Arab nations publicly rejected Trump’s plan, but there may be secret support from some countries
Netanyahu’s Symbolic Gift Highlights Covert Operation
In a recent high-level diplomatic meeting, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presented U.S. President Donald Trump with a pair of pagers, including a symbolic golden one. This unusual gift served as a token illustrating recent covert operations against Hezbollah entities in Lebanon. The operation, which involved detonating pagers used by Hezbollah operatives, resulted in over 30 deaths and more than 3,400 injuries, showcasing Israel’s proactive counter-terrorism measures.
President Trump, impressed by the military operation, reportedly praised it as “a great operation.” In return, Trump presented Netanyahu with an autographed photograph of their meeting, inscribed with the words, “To Bibi, a great leader.” This exchange of gifts underscored the strong alliance between the two leaders and their shared focus on combating terrorism in the Middle East.
Netanyahu reportedly gifted Trump a golden pager—a nod to Israel’s covert op that turned Hezbollah’s beepers into bombs last September.
President Trump: “That was a great operation.” https://t.co/baa1VYnSui pic.twitter.com/pvCjxWJRMd
— Legal Insurrection (@LegInsurrection) February 6, 2025
Discussions on Regional Issues and Controversial Proposals
The meeting between Netanyahu and Trump extended beyond the exchange of symbolic gifts. They engaged in substantial discussions about Israel, the Palestinians, and the broader Middle East situation. One of the most notable proposals put forward during these talks was the suggestion of American control over Gaza, coupled with a population transfer plan.
Trump proposed that the United States could “take over” the Gaza Strip, suggesting the relocation of its residents to neighboring countries such as Jordan and Egypt. This controversial plan involved dismantling unexploded bombs, leveling the site, and fostering economic development in Gaza. Trump argued that many Gazans would willingly leave if given alternatives, describing the current conditions in Gaza as unsafe and unsanitary.
Mixed Reactions and Potential Support
While Arab nations publicly rejected Trump’s plan for Gaza, there are indications of potential secret support from countries like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Jordan. A former Israel-Palestine negotiator suggested that some Arab nations might privately view Trump’s vision for Gaza as a solution to the ongoing Hamas issue. These proposals were reportedly well-received in Israel, with calls for immediate implementation.
The meeting also touched on Netanyahu’s legal challenges, with Trump criticizing the requirement for the Israeli Prime Minister to appear frequently in court during a significant military operation. Trump drew parallels between Netanyahu’s legal situation and his own experiences with what he termed the “Deep State” in the United States.
An Israeli delegation source emphasized the importance of maintaining a right-wing government in Israel while Trump is president, citing the potential for historical changes. This underscores the strategic alignment between the two leaders and their shared political outlook on regional issues.
As these discussions continue to unfold, the international community watches closely. The symbolic exchange of gifts between Netanyahu and Trump not only highlights their personal rapport but also signals a potentially significant shift in Middle East policy and counter-terrorism strategies.
Sources:
- https://www.i24news.tv/en/news/israel/diplomacy/artc-netanyahu-gifts-trump-pagers-as-memento-from-hezbollah-attack
- https://www.newsmax.com/politics/benjamin-netanyahu-donald-trump-pager/2025/02/06/id/1198029/
- https://nypost.com/2025/02/06/world-news/netanyahu-gifts-trump-a-golden-pager-during-visit-in-nod-to-stunning-attack-that-took-out-hezbollah-terrorists-report/