Israeli Ministers Revolt Against Netanyahu Over Decision to Halt Beirut Strikes
Jerusalem,Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing sharp internal criticism after a reported decision to stop attacks on Beirut, with far-right coalition partners publicly challenging his leadership and U.S. President Donald Trump’s influence.The controversy erupted following U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement that Israel and Hezbollah had agreed to halt attacks, including refraining from striking Beirut’s…
Jerusalem,Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing sharp internal criticism after a reported decision to stop attacks on Beirut, with far-right coalition partners publicly challenging his leadership and U.S. President Donald Trump’s influence.
The controversy erupted following U.S. President Donald Trump’s announcement that Israel and Hezbollah had agreed to halt attacks, including refraining from striking Beirut’s southern suburbs. However, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, a key far-right figure, strongly opposed the move and demanded that military operations against Hezbollah continue.
In a strongly worded statement on X, Ben-Gvir told Netanyahu:
“Mr. Prime Minister, you said that a strong prime minister tells the president of the United States ‘yes’ when possible, and ‘no’ when necessary. This is the time to tell our friend, President Trump, ‘no’.”
He further urged: “Now is the time to do what is required and necessary to strike Hezbollah, to unleash the hands of our fighters and to restore security to the north.”
The far-right minister’s remarks reflect deep divisions within Netanyahu’s coalition. Several other ministers have also criticized the government for appearing to yield to American pressure, with some accusing Netanyahu of losing control over Israel’s security decisions.
This latest development comes amid ongoing tensions in the 2026 Lebanon conflict. Israel has conducted intensified operations against Hezbollah, while a fragile U.S.-brokered ceasefire framework has been repeatedly tested. Trump’s announcement aimed to de-escalate the situation, but domestic political pressures in Israel are pushing for a harder line.
Analysts say Ben-Gvir’s public challenge highlights the fragile balance Netanyahu must maintain between international diplomacy and his hardline coalition partners.
