Staff Reports
In a symbolic gesture that many are interpreting as a classic move in the ongoing battle against terrorism, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently presented former President Donald Trump with a gold-plated pager. This isn’t just any pager; it represents a triumphant operation carried out by Israel against Hezbollah and Hamas, showcasing the country’s tactical prowess in counterterrorism. The act, reminiscent of “counting coup”—an ancient practice among Plains Indians that involves securing accolades against an enemy without physical harm—might raise eyebrows about the current state of geopolitics, but it certainly lands solidly within the realm of modern military bravado.
The particular operation that inspired this swag bag moment involved Israeli operatives ingeniously inserting explosives into pagers and walkie-talkies bound for Hezbollah terrorists. Rather than merely intercepting these devices, Israel took the remarkable step of manufacturing them with a hidden agenda. This bold move resulted in significant casualties within terrorist ranks, sending a loud and clear message about Israel’s capabilities and determination to maintain its security. For those with a keen interest in military strategy and psychological warfare, this operation represents an innovative use of technology and espionage.
Netanyahu gifted Trump a gold-plated pager and a standard pager in reference to the terrorist attack Israel did on Lebanon.
This is beyond disgusting – hundreds of civilians, including children, were injured. pic.twitter.com/ypJ8IKukiQ
— Khalid Almaktari أبو عمرو (@KhalidMaktari2) February 5, 2025
Notably for the self-styled “resistance” groups of the Middle East, the lingering question remains: how secure are their communications now? With the knowledge that even their mundane pagers could be potential ticking time bombs, it’s likely that their bravado has taken a hit. The fear instilled by such an unexpected strike cannot be overstated; one can imagine terrorists glancing nervously at their devices, forever altered by the knowledge that something as innocuous as a pager could be weaponized against them. This psychological warfare aspect of the operation is almost as potent as the physical damage inflicted.
While the technical elements of the operation were impressive, its larger implications continue to resonate. When faced with the sophisticated tactics of Israel’s Mossad, the traditional methods and strategies employed by terrorist organizations may begin to feel antiquated. Undoubtedly, this hampers their operational capacity, forcing them to rethink not only their communication methods but their overall approach to warfare. The notion that the Israelis could be strategizing light-years ahead, capable of executing complex operations with ease, must be a source of constant anxiety for the likes of Hezbollah.
So as Netanyahu bestows this shiny new pager to Trump, it serves as both a memento of past victories and a reminder of the ongoing struggle against extremism. In a world where innovation often meets intimidation, this act of commemoration is a resounding declaration: Israel remains unyielding and unafraid, ready to face its challenges head-on while simultaneously making a mockery of its enemies’ reliance on old-world tactics. With a gift like this, it’s clear that the fight against terrorism is not only tactical but a matter of national pride—and it seems that pride has taken a very modern form indeed
