Netanyahu Gifted Trump What?! Find Out Here

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu gifted US President Trump a “golden pager.” The gift references Israel’s deadly attack against Hezbollah last year. Trump reportedly said, “that was a great operation” upon receiving the gift. The attack involved explosives-laden pagers. The leaders also discussed the Gaza war and countering Iran.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu presented US President Donald Trump with a unique gift during their meeting at the Oval Office this week. The Prime Minister gifted Trump a “golden pager” in an apparent reference to Israel’s deadly attack against Hezbollah last year, which targeted members of the Lebanese militant group using pagers.

In photos circulating on social media, the pager can be seen mounted on a dissected tree trunk, with text that read, “Press with both hands.” The pager is also accompanied by a golden plaque with a message in black lettering, “To President Donald J. Trump, Our greatest friend and greatest ally. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.”

According to media reports, Trump said, “that was a great operation” upon receiving the gift. This comment sparked controversy, given the nature of the operation.

Israel triggered the attack on September 17, 2024, when pagers all over Lebanon started beeping. The devices would explode even if the person failed to push the buttons to read an incoming encrypted message. This tactic was highly criticized for its indiscriminate nature.

The following day, Israel’s spy agency Mossad activated explosives-laden walkie-talkies, some of which exploded at funerals for some of nearly 30 people who were killed in the pager attacks. The attacks raised serious questions about proportionality and civilian casualties.

By November, the war between Israel and Hezbollah, a by-product of Hamas’s unprecedented October 2023 attack against Israel, ended with a ceasefire. The conflict had a devastating impact on the region.

Meanwhile, Trump also presented a return gift to Netanyahu, a signed photo of the two leaders. He signed the photograph, “To Bibi, A great leader!,” according to a photo on Instagram posted by the Prime Minister’s son, Yair Netanyahu. This exchange of gifts highlights the close relationship between the two leaders.

On Tuesday, Benjamin Netanyahu became the first foreign leader to be hosted in the Oval Office after Trump returned to the White House last month following his win in the 2024 US presidential elections. This visit underscored the importance of the US-Israel alliance.

Besides the Gaza war, the two leaders also discussed strategies to counter Iran and hopes for a renewed push for an Israel-Saudi Arabia normalisation deal. These discussions focused on key regional security issues.

At a joint press conference after the closed-door meeting, Trump made a shock announcement that the US would take over the war-torn Gaza Strip, which he referred to as a “demolition site”, and redevelop it after Palestinians were resettled elsewhere. This proposal generated widespread condemnation.

Netanyahu praised the President’s announcement, saying the idea could “change history” and that it is “worthwhile really pursuing this avenue”. His support for the plan has been met with controversy.

He also called Trump the “greatest friend” Israel has ever had and suggested that the latter’s “willingness to think outside the box with fresh ideas” will help the Jewish nation achieve its goals to eliminate Hamas.

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember

Netanyahu’s gift of a “golden pager” to Trump symbolizes Israel’s attack on Hezbollah. The gift and discussions highlight the strong relationship between the countries. Trump’s announcement to take over Gaza is controversial.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

See Full Bio