In a symbolic exchange during their meeting on Tuesday in Washington, D.C., Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gifted U.S. President Donald Trump a golden pager. The gesture appears to reference Israel's electronic device attacks in Lebanon last September, highlighting the ongoing tensions in the region.
According to CNN, the golden pager symbolizes the targeted disruption of communication devices, specifically pagers and walkie-talkies, which were the focus of Israel's September 17-18 attacks in Lebanon. These strikes, aimed at members of the Lebanese group Hezbollah, resulted in massive disruptions and caused dozens of casualties across the country.
In return, President Trump gifted Netanyahu a photograph of the two leaders, signing it with the message, \"To Bibi, A great leader!\" This exchange underscores the strong ties between Israel and the United States, as well as the shared perspectives on regional security challenges.
An Israeli official told ABC News that President Trump described the September attacks as \"a great operation.\" The incident reflects the complex dynamics in the Middle East, where electronic warfare plays a crucial role in both military strategy and political signaling.
The meeting between Netanyahu and Trump not only reinforced bilateral relations but also served as a platform to discuss broader geopolitical issues affecting the region. As Israel continues to navigate its security concerns, such symbolic gestures highlight the collaborative efforts between allied nations to maintain stability and address emerging threats.
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Israeli PM Netanyahu gifts U.S. President Trump golden pager
cgtn.com
