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Time to say no to Trump: Israeli officials condemn Netanyahu's decision to cancel Lebanon strike

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Israeli officials criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision to cancel a strike on Beirut, reportedly at the urging of US President Donald Trump.
  • Ministers and former military leaders argued that Israel must act decisively against Hezbollah, regardless of US pressure.
  • The criticism comes amid ongoing rocket fire from Lebanon, with northern Israeli communities facing continuous attacks.

A wave of criticism has erupted from Israeli officials directed at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision to halt planned strikes on Beirut, a move reportedly influenced by US President Donald Trump. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir urged Netanyahu to "tell our friend, President Trump - ‘no’," emphasizing the need for Israel to act independently when necessary.

This is the time to tell our friend, President Trump - ‘no’

— Itamar Ben-GvirNational Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir wrote on X/Twitter, reminding Netanyahu that he once said a strong prime minister would be able to tell the president of the US no when necessary.

Former IDF chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot echoed these sentiments, calling Trump's reported directive "a humiliating demand." He criticized Netanyahu for not demonstrating the strength he previously advocated for, stating that the prime minister "is the man who preached morals to everyone about the basic need to be a prime minister and know how to say 'no' to the President of the United States."

Now is the time to do what is required and necessary to strike Hezbollah

— Itamar Ben-GvirNational Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir added, 'Now is the time to do what is required and necessary to strike Hezbollah.'

Opposition leader Yair Lapid accused Netanyahu of treating Israel as a US protectorate and called for a strong response to the rocket fire from Lebanon. Former prime minister Naftali Bennett also condemned the government's handling of the security situation, stating it had "lost control over Israeli sovereignty" and pledged to restore security to northern residents.

a humiliating demand, one that is blatantly unreasonable

— Gadi EisenkotFormer IDF chief of staff and Yashar! Party leader Gadi Eisenkot also referenced Netanyahu's past remarks regarding Trump. Calling Trump's directive 'a humiliating demand, one that is blatantly unreasonable,' Eisenkot added that Netanyahu 'is the man who preached morals to everyone about the basic need to be a prime minister and know how to say 'no' to the President of the United States.'

The sharp rebukes follow continuous rocket and drone attacks on northern Israel. Municipal leaders in the affected regions have also voiced strong condemnation of the government's response, highlighting the persistent threat faced by communities in the north.

the responsibility for the security of Israeli citizens lies solely with the Israeli government.

— Yair LapidOpposition leader Yair Lapid accused Netanyahu of behaving as though Israel were a protectorate state of the US. Lapid had called for a 'powerful response' to the rocket fire from Lebanon on Saturday, writing that 'the responsibility for the security of Israeli citizens lies solely with the Israeli government.'
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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