Netanyahu shows pager at UN podium: 'Do you remember?'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech at the United Nations (UN) General Assembly became a focal point due to protests in the hall and the pager he displayed at the podium.

As Netanyahu began his speech, numerous country delegations left the General Assembly hall to protest Israel's attacks in Gaza. While the empty seats in the hall were notable, Netanyahu continued his address.

During a part of his speech, the Israeli Prime Minister held up a pager to the delegates. At that moment, Netanyahu remarked, "Do you remember the pagers? Hezbollah certainly remembers."

Netanyahu's words were interpreted as a reference to the simultaneous explosions that occurred in pagers used by Hezbollah members in Lebanon in September 2024.

DOZENS DIED IN LEBANON EXPLOSIONS

Simultaneous explosions occurred in pagers in Lebanon on September 17, 2024. The explosions killed 12 people, including two children, and injured approximately 2,800 others, with about 300 of them in critical condition.

One day later, on September 18, the detonation of numerous walkie-talkies in the country resulted in 25 deaths and left more than 450 people injured.

Taiwan-based Gold Apollo, whose name appeared on the exploded pagers, pointed to its Hungarian partner, BAC Consulting KFT, as the manufacturer of the devices. A report by The New York Times, citing unnamed officials, alleged that BAC Consulting was established by Israel as a front company.

The report also included claims that Israel's foreign intelligence agency, Mossad, began planning the attack in 2022. A former high-ranking Iranian official also claimed that Israel had attempted a similar method in Iran, placing explosives inside nuclear equipment.