### Israel Acknowledges Responsibility for September Operation Targeting Hezbollah

In an unprecedented move, Israel has officially admitted to orchestrating the operation in September that resulted in the detonation of hundreds of pagers used by Hezbollah personnel in Lebanon. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's recent remarks to his cabinet, as reported by Israeli media, revealed this acknowledgment. Netanyahu stated, "The beeper operation and the elimination of [Hezbollah's leader Hassan] Nasrallah were launched despite the opposition of senior officials in the security establishment and the political echelon in charge of them."

The Israeli government’s decision to confirm their involvement points to ongoing political maneuvering within the country. Israeli media have interpreted Netanyahu’s phrasing as an implicit critique of the military and intelligence leadership, including then-Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who was dismissed by Netanyahu on Tuesday.

This strategic acknowledgment arrives amidst various criminal investigations facing the Israeli government for allegedly leaking falsified intelligence reports to international media outlets. On September 17, Lebanon witnessed numerous explosions specifically targeting Hezbollah's communication devices, primarily pagers and later walkie-talkies. These coordinated blasts resulted in the deaths of at least 37 people, including children, and injured nearly 3,000, many of whom were civilian bystanders.

Gallant seemed to indirectly admit Israel's role shortly after the explosions. During a visit to the Ramat-David Air Force base on September 18, he praised the joint efforts of the IDF, Shin Bet, and Mossad, describing the outcomes as "very impressive results."

Netanyahu also disclosed that he had engaged in multiple discussions with US President-elect Donald Trump, emphasizing the strong alliance between Israel and the United States. He mentioned the mutual concerns regarding the Iranian threat and the potential opportunities for Israel in peace and expansion.

In other events, Netanyahu addressed recent antisemitic incidents involving Israeli fans in the Netherlands and linked them to broader anti-Israel sentiments, including the criminal case brought against Israel in the International Criminal Court. He vowed never to allow history's horrors to repeat, asserting that Israel would remain resolute against antisemitism and terrorism.

Following the attacks in Amsterdam, Israel's National Security Council has advised citizens to avoid international sports and cultural events featuring Israelis. The advisory specifically highlights potential threats in Belgium, the United Kingdom, and France and cautions against attending the forthcoming France-Israel soccer match in Paris.

In their alert, the NSC warned of potential plans to target Israelis and Jews under the pretense of protests and advised heightened vigilance against showcasing Israeli or Jewish symbols in public settings.