Did the pager operation change the Middle East? - opinion

The pager operation undeniably reshaped the Middle East, but the impact is multifaceted and complex. Its significance lies in two main aspects. Firstly, psychologically, it bolstered Israel's stature as a formidable security force capable of executing operations previously deemed impossible. This, in turn, restored trust among Israelis, who had been shaken by the October 7 attack, and opened the door for more aggressive actions against Hezbollah and Iran.

Secondly, operationally, the pager strike inflicted substantial damage on Hezbollah's infrastructure. Thousands of operatives were injured, and key figures, including the Radwan Force's leadership, were eliminated. This weakened Hezbollah's capabilities and morale, making future operations against Israel more feasible. The operation was part of a broader chain of events that reshaped the region, influencing events from the Syrian revolution to Israeli strikes on Iran.

Despite Hezbollah's weakened state, it continues to rebuild its military capabilities, focusing on drone technology and rocket development. The challenge now is to maintain the positive changes brought about by the pager operation while preventing a resurgence of the Shi'ite axis or the emergence of a radical Sunni alternative. This requires a consistent and sustained policy of dismantling terrorist organizations, not just in Lebanon and Gaza but also in Iran, under strong international support.

The key takeaway is that even when we gain the upper hand, we must remain vigilant and committed to the long-term eradication of terrorism to prevent it from regrouping and regaining strength.