Israeli right-wing Ministers urge Netanyahu to resume Beirut strikes to counter Hezbollah drone attacks

Coverage Comparison

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich have publicly called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to intensify military action against Hezbollah, including strikes on Beirut, following a series of drone attacks on Israeli forces and northern towns. Their statements, reported by multiple outlets including the Jerusalem Post, South China Morning Post, and The Hindu, reflect growing pressure within the coalition to respond more forcefully to Hezbollah's continued attacks.

According to the Jerusalem Post, in a Security Cabinet meeting on June 5, 2026, Ben Gvir told Netanyahu to "go to the US, take children from Kiryat Shmona and Metula with you" and tell President Donald Trump that Israel "must respond [and strike] the weak points of Hezbollah terrorists in Dahiyeh," referring to a Beirut suburb. He added that "there needs to be a military maneuver," even if it leads to a confrontation with Washington.

Smotrich, as reported by The Hindu, said on May 25 that "for every explosive drone, 10 buildings should fall in Beirut," and called for an end to the "threat of Hezbollah's explosive drones." The same day, Ben Gvir took to social media, saying, "It is time for the prime minister to take a firm stand with Donald Trump and tell him that Israel is returning to war in Lebanon."

These calls come amid a fragile ceasefire announced in April 2026, which has been repeatedly tested by Hezbollah's use of cheap, fiber-optic-controlled FPV drones that evade Israeli jamming technologies, as detailed by The Hindu. The drones have killed at least one Israeli soldier and disrupted life in northern communities.

Key Claims

• Calls for strikes on Beirut: Both Ben Gvir and Smotrich have explicitly advocated for strikes on Beirut, with Smotrich proposing a ratio of "10 buildings for every drone," as reported by the Jerusalem Post and The Hindu.

• Ceasefire uncertainty: Netanyahu told the Security Cabinet on June 5 that there is "no agreement at the moment" because Hezbollah has opposed a deal, according to the Jerusalem Post. However, a Hezbollah rally on May 25 marked Liberation Day, indicating the group's continued public presence.

• US-Iran agreement: The US-Iran deal, announced in mid-June, has been denounced by Ben Gvir, who said, "Trump's agreement does not bind us," and insisted that Israel must not accept anything less than "the dismantling of Hezbollah," as reported by The Hindu and Al Jazeera.

• Domestic criticism: Opposition figures, including former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and former IDF chief Gadi Eisenkot, have also criticized the government's handling of the north, with Bennett saying that "this is not a victory, this is not Zionism, this is not an appropriate response," as reported by the Jerusalem Post.

Perspectives

Government and ministerial views: Coalition ministers like Ben Gvir and Smotrich advocate for a maximalist military response, including occupying territory up to the Awali River and cutting electricity to Lebanon. They argue that such measures are necessary to restore security and deter Hezbollah.

Netanyahu's position: Netanyahu has reportedly rejected Smotrich's demands, preferring defensive measures, according to an Israeli media report cited by The Hindu. He has also publicly stated that there is no agreement with Hezbollah at present, but has not ruled out bringing a deal to the cabinet if one emerges.

Opposition and critics: Figures like Bennett and Eisenkot have called the current approach one of "containment" and argued that it fails to protect northern residents. They advocate for full operational freedom for the IDF and intensified regional diplomacy involving Saudi Arabia and Gulf states.

Hezbollah and Lebanon: Hezbollah has not formally responded to the ministers' calls but has continued its drone attacks, demonstrating its capacity to strike despite Israeli military operations. The group has also called for a rally in Beirut's southern suburbs on Liberation Day, underscoring its political and military presence in Lebanon.

International and diplomatic dimension: The US-Iran agreement, which aims to end fighting on all fronts, including Lebanon, has been met with skepticism by Israeli far-right ministers who see it as not safeguarding Israel's security. The deal's implications for Israel's ability to strike Hezbollah remain a point of contention, with analysts suggesting it could constrain Israeli military options.