The latest
A meeting of Israel’s security cabinet turned into an internal political fight over a possible ceasefire deal in Lebanon, after right-wing ministers demanded wider strikes on Hezbollah before any pause in fighting.
According to Israeli media leaks from the meeting, Netanyahu told ministers the deal had not yet reached a vote because Hezbollah had not agreed to it.
“If Hezbollah agrees, I will bring the ceasefire agreement for your approval,” Netanyahu said.
But National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir pushed the discussion in a more confrontational direction. He urged Netanyahu to travel to the United States with children from Kiryat Shmona and Metula and tell President Donald Trump: “We love you, but we must respond against Hezbollah’s weak points in Dahieh.”
Details
• Energy Minister Eli Cohen said “a normal country would have crushed them,” referring to Hezbollah.
• Minister Ze’ev Elkin said “the other side does not want a ceasefire,” adding that Israel could wait a little longer but “must respond.”
• Minister Orit Strock said Israel’s real need was to “change the border.”
• Minister Yitzhak Wasserlauf said Israel “cannot please the Americans,” arguing that time is not on its side.
• Ben-Gvir called for a military maneuver, even if it creates friction with Washington, saying Israel’s soldiers matter more.
• Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, by contrast, said a ceasefire under the current constraints would be “a huge achievement.”
What to watch
The decision now sits between three pressures: Hezbollah’s response to the proposed terms, Netanyahu’s ability to carry the deal inside his government, and Trump’s push to lock in a ceasefire.
If Hezbollah accepts the draft, the fight will move inside Israel. Netanyahu would then face a choice between a U.S.-backed pause and giving right-wing ministers the wider strike in Lebanon they are demanding.
