Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu recently met and exchanged gifts. Netanyahu gave Trump a golden pager. This was not a normal gift. It had a serious meaning. The pager was connected to a military attack that happened months ago.
In September 2024, a secret Israeli operation caused hundreds of Hezbollah members’ pagers and walkie-talkies to explode in Lebanon. More than 30 people died, and over 3,400 were injured. The attack was carefully planned. Israeli spies had sold the devices to Hezbollah, but they had hidden explosives inside. When the devices received a signal, they suddenly heated up and exploded in people’s hands or pockets.
During the meeting, Netanyahu gave Trump two pagers—one regular and one golden. The golden pager was a symbol of the attack. At the meeting, Trump smiled and said, “That was a great operation,” according to The Times of Israel.
Trump’s gift to Netanyahu was very different. Instead of giving something related to war, he gave Netanyahu a photo of the two of them together. He signed it with the words: “To Bibi, a great leader.” Compared to Netanyahu’s gift, Trump’s seemed less meaningful.
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This is not the first time world leaders have exchanged odd gifts. In 2009, Barack Obama gave Queen Elizabeth II an iPod filled with his speeches. Many people thought this was a strange and impersonal gift. In 2018, Vladimir Putin gave Trump a soccer ball after the FIFA World Cup. Later, reports said the ball contained a microchip inside, which raised security concerns. Moreover, Trump gave Kim Jong-un a CD of Elton John’s “Rocket Man” in 2018. He had called Kim “Rocket Man” as a joke, but Kim reportedly did not find it funny.
The meeting between Trump and Netanyahu was not just about gifts. During a press conference, Trump made a shocking statement. He said the U.S. could “take over” Gaza and send Palestinians to other countries. Gaza is home to more than 2 million people. Many people reacted with shock and concern. Critics called Trump’s idea dangerous and unrealistic.
Gifts between leaders always have a message. Netanyahu’s golden pager was a clear message about Israel’s military power. People are now asking: Was this gift exchange a sign of a stronger alliance? Or just another strange moment in Trump’s history? Over the years, Trump has been involved in many unusual moments with world leaders. His friendships with Netanyahu, Putin, and Kim Jong-un have often been controversial. He has praised dictators, made bold and reckless statements, and confused people with his actions.
Featured image via Screengrab
