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A former top aide to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Topaz Luk, hinted on social media that Israel was responsible for a recent attack in Beirut, sparking a wave of speculation before quickly deleting the post.
The comment came just days before Netanyahu’s scheduled visit to New York for the United Nations General Assembly.
Luk’s post, made on X (formerly Twitter), was a direct response to a claim by Israeli publicist Haim Levinson, who had argued that Netanyahu would avoid launching an attack prior to his high-profile diplomatic trip.
Levinson had asserted that the prime minister would not take such actions ahead of a critical meeting with world leaders. Luk, however, responded with the comment, “[The argument] did not age well,” strongly suggesting that Netanyahu had indeed ordered the strike.
Deleted Post and Reactions
Luk, who previously served as Netanyahu’s spokesperson and close adviser, erased the post soon after it went live. However, his remark had already gained significant attention, igniting speculation about Israel’s potential involvement in the Beirut attack.
The Prime Minister’s Office swiftly distanced itself from the comments, stating, “Topaz Luk has not been the prime minister’s spokesperson for a number of months and is not part of the inner circle of consultations.”
The office downplayed Luk’s current influence, clarifying that he no longer holds an official role within Netanyahu’s administration.
The timing of Luk’s post raised eyebrows, particularly as Israel’s official stance on the Beirut incident remained ambiguous.
Despite this, Likud’s Members of Knesset (MKs) were reportedly instructed not to conduct interviews or speak on the matter.
According to Kan News, the National Security Council also requested that government ministers refrain from publicly commenting on the attack, though this could not be immediately verified.
A Possible Israeli Role?
While no official confirmation has been provided, the attack in Beirut has left many questioning whether Israel played a direct role.
The strike comes amid heightened regional tensions, particularly between Israel and Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant group that Israel has clashed with for decades.
Speculation about Israeli involvement has only intensified with Luk’s cryptic post and its subsequent deletion.
His remark came at a sensitive time, as Netanyahu prepares for an important appearance at the UN General Assembly, where security concerns in the Middle East are expected to be a key issue on the agenda.
Analysts suggest that if Israel was indeed behind the Beirut attack, it could signify a bold statement of strength ahead of Netanyahu’s diplomatic engagements.
Some observers believe that Luk’s post, although quickly erased, may have unintentionally revealed more than Israel’s government is willing to publicly acknowledge at this stage.
A Calculated Silence
The government’s decision to remain silent on the matter aligns with Israel’s often cautious approach to military operations.
In the past, Israel has occasionally refrained from claiming responsibility for covert strikes, particularly those involving sensitive international or regional dynamics.
As Likud MKs and government officials were instructed to avoid the media spotlight, the situation remains fluid. Netanyahu’s upcoming visit to New York could provide further context or official statements about Israel’s actions and strategy in the region.
For now, Luk’s brief online comment continues to fuel speculation, raising questions about Israel’s involvement in Beirut and the strategic motivations behind such actions.