JERUSALEM - Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Nov 10 that he okayed a deadly September attack on Hezbollah communications devices which exploded in Lebanon, the first time Israel has admitted involvement. Hezbollah had previously blamed its arch-foe for the blasts that dealt a major blow to the Iran-backed militant group, and vowed revenge.

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin “Netanyahu confirmed Sunday that he greenlighted the pager operation in Lebanon,” his spokesman Omer Dostri was quoted as saying.

At least 40 people, including several children, have been killed in Israeli strikes on Lebanon, according to officials.

The Israeli Air Force has destroyed launch sites used by Hezbollah militants to attack the Israeli cities of Acre and Ahihud. Additionally, dozens of terrorists have been eliminated within Lebanese territory,