Israeli far-right ministers call for escalation in Lebanon despite ceasefire talks
On Monday, Itamar Ben Gvir, Israel's National Security Minister, alongside Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, urged for an increase in military actions in Lebanon, despite the ongoing peace negotiations. Ben Gvir, who leads the far-right Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power) Party, took to social media to implore Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to adopt a robust approach with Donald Trump, advocating for a declaration of war against Lebanon. He suggested cutting off electricity to the country, taking control of the Zahrani river, and intensifying military efforts. Meanwhile, Smotrich, representing the Religious Zionist Party, demanded strikes on Beirut in retaliation for Hezbollah's drone assaults, insisting that for each drone launched, ten buildings in Beirut should be targeted. Both officials positioned their requests as essential for addressing Hezbollah's threats.
Key facts
- Itamar Ben Gvir called for a return to war in Lebanon on social media.
- Ben Gvir advocated cutting off electricity to Lebanon and seizing the Zahrani river.
- Bezalel Smotrich called for strikes on Beirut in response to Hezbollah drone attacks.
- Smotrich demanded that for every Hezbollah drone, ten buildings in Beirut must fall.
- Both ministers are far-right members of the Israeli government.
- The calls for escalation come despite ongoing peace talks.
- Ben Gvir leads the Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power) Party.
- Smotrich is from the Religious Zionist Party.
Entities
Institutions
- Otzma Yehudit (Jewish Power) Party
- Religious Zionist Party
Locations
- Israel
- Lebanon
- Beirut
- Zahrani river
- southern Lebanon