National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir opened his Otzma Yehudit faction meeting on Monday with a sharp attack on what he called Israel’s policy of restraint in Lebanon, indirectly criticizing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s willingness to heed U.S. pressure. He said there should be “no more flimsy ceasefire” and warned that anyone threatening Israelis must know “the price will be unbearable.”
His remarks came after Netanyahu and Defense Minister instructions to halt fire in southern Lebanon, following American requests. The move angered Israel Defense Forces troops operating near one of Hezbollah’s key headquarters in the Litani area. Military correspondent Yossi Yehoshua said, “The IDF opposes this ceasefire,” adding that soldiers were furious and felt “their hands were tied.”
Ben Gvir said Israel had reached a turning point after paying a heavy price in soldiers’ and civilians’ lives. “We have reached the closest point to decision,” he said, arguing that the war had created a historic chance to secure future generations and tell bereaved families their sons did not fall in vain. He warned, “If Israel is not safe, Beirut will look like Beit Hanoun,” invoking the destruction seen in the northern Gaza town during the war.
He also said that while Israel values President Donald Trump and U.S. cooperation, “the security of Israel comes first.” Ben Gvir said restraint had failed for years, claiming enemies interpreted it as weakness, and pointed to steps taken under his tenure, including stronger emergency squads, the National Guard, and broader gun ownership for law-abiding citizens. He added that if Lebanon allows its territory to be used for terror, Beirut will have to bear the consequences.
Ben Gvir then attacked Naftali Bennett and critics from the left, saying his position, that Israeli lives come before international pressure, represents a large public. He mocked Bennett personally, saying he was “the swindler Bennett” who is sliding back toward the electoral threshold, and concluded that leadership is tested by the courage to do what is necessary for Israelis to live in safety.
