Naftali Bennett condemns restrictions on troops in Lebanon

Former prime minister Naftali Bennett launched a sharp attack on Israel’s political leadership, saying current instructions to forces in the field are endangering soldiers and limiting their ability to respond immediately to Hezbollah threats. He said he had received many urgent messages in the past day from commanders, fighters and parents of soldiers about what he called an unimaginable situation in Lebanon.

Bennett said the complaints from the front showed commanders were being tied down after deadly incidents that cost five fighters their lives. “They write to me that after the difficult events in which we lost five fighters, they did not receive instructions to act forcefully against Hezbollah. Quite the opposite,” he said.

According to Bennett, the political echelon ordered troops to “hold their fire” and wait for approval from senior officials who are not on the ground before eliminating threats from Hezbollah operatives allegedly preparing to attack. He argued this prevents the quick neutralization of militants and puts the safety of troops at serious risk.

The former premier, who served as a fighter and platoon commander in elite units, said the situation is both morally and operationally intolerable. “This is an event like I do not remember in my life, as a fighter and as a commander in the IDF,” he said, adding that even when Israeli forces are hit, the army is reportedly not allowed to use its full firepower to protect the wounded and rescue teams. Bennett ended by telling the prime minister and cabinet ministers that if they cannot let soldiers defend themselves, “they should go home immediately.”