Glaring war hawk, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, has emphatically rejected the United States and Iran’s calls to cease military operations in Lebanon. The minister added that Israel can “achieve results if Lebanon is our playground.”
In spite of a ceasefire agreement, which amounted to a surrender to Iran by the US, Israel has continued to strike targets in Lebanon, it says, that are linked to the terrorist group Hezbollah. Ben-Gvir has stated clearly that Israel will not and “cannot agree to a ceasefire in Lebanon,” and US President Donald Trump should be aware of this.
Ben-Gvir further described Lebanon as a “country that supports terrorism.” He said, “Even with a smaller number of soldiers, we can achieve results if Lebanon is our playground.” He previously wrote on X that “all of Lebanon should burn,” in response to Hezbollah attacks.
Israel Continues Its Attacks On Lebanon Despite MoU Signing by Trump
Under a US-Iranian memorandum of understanding (MoU) signed last week, both sides declared an “immediate and permanent termination of military operations on all fronts, including in Lebanon.” However, Israel, which is bombing Lebanon, did not sign the agreement and did not agree to cease any kind of attack on anyone.
In fact, Israel is boldly defying the order. Defense Minister Israel Katz said that Israel will retain “complete freedom of action” in Lebanon and “anywhere it is necessary.” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the army has “full freedom of action to thwart any direct or emerging threat.” All of this is flying in the face of the US and Iran’s still delicate “peace” deal.
“The IDF has no restrictions in this regard,” Netanyahu added, according to the Times of Israel, as reported by RT. Israeli politicians have criticized the US-Iranian peace roadmap for failing to advance Israel’s war objectives.
During a series of heated phone calls with Netanyahu this month, Trump urged the Israeli leader to halt strikes in Lebanon, reportedly accusing him of having “no f**king judgment.” That comment is ironic considering the US and Israel started the war with Iran together, using joint strikes against targets. The US also basically surrendered to Iran, so it would reopen the Strait of Hormuz, which was open before joint strikes were initiated.
We can safely say that neither Israel nor the US is showing great judgment lately.
According to statistics posted by RT, more than 4,000 people have been killed since Israel resumed military operations. He added that Israel should not withdraw its troops and allow Hezbollah to rearm.