Ben-Gvir pushes to intensify fighting in Lebanon, opposition calls Iran deal ‘disaster'

Far-right Israeli ministers are urging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to escalate military operations in Lebanon, responding to recent Hezbollah drone attacks. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich have publicly called for a more aggressive stance against the militant group.

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For every explosive drone, 10 buildings in Beirut should fall.

Ben-Gvir specifically advocated for cutting Lebanon's electricity supply and occupying territory up to the Awali River, stating, "If there is terrorism, you will suffer the consequences." He emphasized that the security of northern residents should not be a negotiating point but a matter of operational activity for the IDF. Ben-Gvir urged Netanyahu to contact U.S. President Donald Trump and "pound on the table" to assert Israel's position.

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Pick up the phone, call Trump, go to him, and pound the table. Make it clear that the State of Israel is not willing to accept, not willing to contain.

Smotrich echoed these sentiments, demanding an end to Hezbollah's drone threat and suggesting a retaliatory measure: "For every explosive drone, 10 buildings in Beirut should fall." He highlighted the need to normalize the situation and avoid accepting a routine of terrorism.

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We need to cut the electricity, turn off the switch, and make it clear to them: If there is terrorism, you will suffer the consequences.

Meanwhile, opposition leaders have sharply criticized Netanyahu's government regarding a developing US-Iran deal. Yair Lapid, a prominent opposition figure, described the potential agreement as a "disaster" and condemned the diplomatic handling of the situation. He lamented that Israel was not present at the negotiating table, stating, "Everything that was not supposed to happen, happened."

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The diplomatic handling of the entire event could not have been worse. Everything that was not supposed to happen, happened.