Cabinet Clash Over Lebanon Ceasefire Exposes Rift Between Ministers and Military

A cabinet meeting on Thursday again erupted into a dispute over Israel’s policy in Lebanon, with ministers accusing the army of being constrained and senior leaders insisting the military has full freedom to act. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tried to defend the northern front policy, saying there are no restrictions on troops, while Defense Minister Israel Katz said soldiers may respond immediately to any threat. Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir cut into the argument with a pointed reminder: “You wanted a ceasefire.”

Netanyahu told ministers that the military is not being held back, saying, “On any immediate threat, the soldiers on the ground respond. We are not restricting any soldier.” He also said the United States understands Israel’s security needs and added, “The Americans understand our right to defend ourselves.” Katz echoed that view, saying, “Any soldier can respond immediately. There are advantages and disadvantages to the ceasefire, but we are not putting any soldier at risk.”

The sharpest criticism came from National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who questioned why the IDF does not act against emerging threats and against Hezbollah rearmament. “If you see Hezbollah arming itself, why not dismantle them?” he asked, calling to “collapse the agreement” with Lebanon. He said wounded soldiers show the cost of restraint and argued, “This is an opportunity to wreck the deal. We can smash hundreds of targets and bomb them.”

Minister Orit Struk backed Ben Gvir, saying soldiers feel like they are “in a shooting range” and warning that “Hezbollah continues to supply ammunition.” Worsening the dispute, Minister Ofir Sofer said the restrictions do not go “beyond the yellow line.” The exchange underscored how the ceasefire in Lebanon remains contentious inside the government.