In a fiery and impassioned critique, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir voiced his staunch opposition to a proposed ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon, calling it a "grave mistake" and a "historic missed opportunity to dismantle Hezbollah." The controversial deal, reportedly receiving preliminary approval from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has drawn sharp criticism from Ben-Gvir and other coalition members, igniting a fierce debate within the Israeli political landscape.
A "Critical Misstep" in National Defense
The arrival of Amos Hochstein, the US special envoy to the Middle East, last week accelerated negotiations between Israel and Lebanon. According to CNN, Netanyahu gave initial backing to the US-brokered proposal. However, Ben-Gvir wasted no time in publicly opposing the deal, arguing it undermines Israel's strategic position at a pivotal moment in its history.
“The agreement with Lebanon is a monumental mistake,” Ben-Gvir declared in a statement. “It is a historical missed opportunity to defang Hezbollah. I understand the constraints and rationale, but this is a serious misstep. Now, when Hezbollah is battered and desperate for a ceasefire, we must not stop. As I warned in the past about Gaza, I now warn again: Prime Minister, it’s not too late to halt this agreement. We must continue until we achieve absolute victory!”
JUST IN⚡️
— Open Source Intel (@Osint613) November 25, 2024
National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir on Ceasefire with Hezbollah:
“Reaching an agreement with Lebanon is a grave mistake—a historic missed opportunity to eliminate Hezbollah.
While I understand the constraints and justifications, this remains a serious error.… pic.twitter.com/paeSzXunbH
Coalition Resistance and Public Skepticism
Ben-Gvir’s condemnation of the deal has found support among certain coalition members who are reportedly working behind the scenes to derail the agreement. Critics of the proposed ceasefire argue that it would rely on the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) to enforce UN Resolution 1701, a move viewed as ineffectual given their historical inability to curb Hezbollah’s military buildup in southern Lebanon since 2006.
“Entrusting UNIFIL and the LAF with security in southern Lebanon is a recipe for failure,” one senior coalition source remarked. “Israelis have no faith in these entities, and rightfully so. This agreement risks allowing Hezbollah to regroup and rearm, endangering our citizens.”
🚨🇮🇱🇱🇧FINAL NEGOTIATIONS ON LEBANON CEASEFIRE AGREEMENT
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) November 25, 2024
According to officials, it was agreed that France would join the mechanism to monitor the intended agreement with Lebanon as talks enter their final stages.
The proposal includes three stages: a truce followed by Hezbollah… pic.twitter.com/VYlkK6jl9d
Ben-Gvir Takes to Social Media
Taking his campaign to social media, Ben-Gvir issued a scathing post on X (formerly Twitter), warning that accepting the ceasefire would squander an unprecedented chance to dismantle the Iran-backed terrorist group.
“This is a grave mistake,” he wrote. “We must listen to the commanders fighting in the field. Now, when Hezbollah is weakened and pleading for a ceasefire, it is forbidden to stop. We have a historic opportunity to eliminate this threat once and for all.”
Opposition Strikes Back
Ben-Gvir’s outspoken opposition has drawn sharp rebukes from his political rivals. Yesh Atid, the centrist opposition party, lambasted the National Security Minister in a pointed response on X, accusing him of abandoning northern Israel and failing to provide security for its residents.
“You are the big mistake,” the Yesh Atid account fired back. “Under your watch, the entire north of the country has been neglected, and millions of Israelis have been forced to live in bomb shelters. You are a failed minister, incapable of ensuring the safety of our citizens.”
אתה הטעות הגדולה.
— 🟠 יש עתיד (@YeshAtidParty) November 25, 2024
במשמרת שלך כל צפון הארץ נטוש כבר למעלה משנה ומיליוני ישראלים ימים במרחבים מוגנים. שר כושל שלא מסוגל לתת ביטחון לאזרחיו.
ליצן טיקטוק.
The party concluded its critique by branding Ben-Gvir a “TikTok clown,” ridiculing his social media antics as a distraction from his perceived incompetence.
A Battle of Wills in Israel's Leadership
The clash over the proposed ceasefire underscores the deep divisions within Israel’s government over how to handle Hezbollah, which has entrenched itself in southern Lebanon with extensive military capabilities. While proponents of the deal argue it offers a path to de-escalation and stability, opponents, led by Ben-Gvir, insist that halting military operations now would embolden Hezbollah and Iran.
As the debate intensifies, the stakes for Israel’s national security and regional stability remain higher than ever. Whether Netanyahu will yield to internal dissent or move forward with the US-backed agreement remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the battle over this ceasefire is far from over.
