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Israeli officials and political figures have publicly criticized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's decision to cancel a planned strike on Beirut, a move that several sources report was made at the urging of US President Donald Trump. The criticism comes amid ongoing hostilities in northern Israel and a political climate already strained by the war in Lebanon.
Coverage Comparison
The criticism has been reported by multiple outlets, each highlighting different aspects of the controversy. Al Jazeera reported that hawkish voices in Israel have accused Netanyahu of holding back on bombing Beirut to appease the Trump administration and ensure his own political survival. The Jerusalem Post provided several reports, including direct quotes from former Prime Minister Ehud Barak, who condemned Netanyahu's handling of the war, and from other officials who took to social media to voice their objections.
While the outlets agree on the core fact that Netanyahu canceled the strike under US pressure, they differ in emphasis. Al Jazeera's report focuses on the hawkish accusations, while the Jerusalem Post articles give more weight to specific criticisms from named officials, including Barak, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, and opposition leader Yair Lapid.
Key Claims
Ehud Barak's Criticism
Former Prime Minister Ehud Barak criticized Netanyahu's conduct of the war in Lebanon in an interview with 103FM. Barak said, "This government is misleading the public, Netanyahu is just counting bodies," and dismissed official claims about the number of terrorists killed as "nonsense." He called the idea that Israel could destroy Hezbollah without occupying Lebanon "an illusion," adding that Israel is "flattening villages and signaling that we intend to stay there permanently," which he argued actually strengthens Hezbollah's role within Lebanon.
Barak also claimed that Iran and Hezbollah are backed by "a very strong axis, including Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, who have formed an alliance with Qatar and are pressuring Trump far more effectively than we are." He concluded that Netanyahu's government has dragged Israel into "the gravest diplomatic and security situation" in its history.
Official Condemnations
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir wrote on X/Twitter, "This is the time to tell our friend, President Trump - 'no'," referencing Netanyahu's own past statement that a strong prime minister should be able to refuse the US president. Former IDF chief of staff Gadi Eisenkot called Trump's directive "a humiliating demand, one that is blatantly unreasonable," and recalled Netanyahu's moralizing about the need to say 'no' to the US president.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid accused Netanyahu of treating Israel as though it were a "protectorate state" of the US, and MK Oded Forer urged Netanyahu to "fulfill his role and act to protect the residents of the North." Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, a competitor in the upcoming election, wrote that the government had "lost control over Israeli sovereignty" and called the coalition "incapable."
Poll and Political Shift
The Jerusalem Post reported on a Maariv poll showing that 62% of Israelis believe Netanyahu should not allow Trump to dictate Israel's military actions, with majorities among both coalition (66%) and opposition (62%) voters. The poll was conducted against the backdrop of a reported "shouting call" between Trump and Netanyahu, described by the Post as a "profanity-laced tirade" demanding a halt to airstrikes.
The poll also indicated a shift in Knesset mandates, with the coalition bloc dropping to 50 seats and the opposition strengthening to 60, while Arab parties remained stable at 10 seats.
Perspectives
Netanyahu's Government
While no direct response from Netanyahu or his office was included in the provided material, the criticisms from coalition members such as Ben-Gvir and Forer suggest internal disagreement. The poll data showing majority support for not conceding to Trump's demands may reflect a broader sentiment within the government and its supporters.
Israeli Opposition and Critics
The opposition figures, including Barak, Lapid, Eisenkot, and Bennett, present a unified front in condemning Netanyahu's decision, framing it as a surrender of Israeli sovereignty to US pressure. They call for a stronger military response and question the prime minister's leadership in a time of crisis.
US Perspective
The reported "shouting call" and Trump's demand to halt airstrikes indicate a US stance prioritizing restraint, though no direct US officials are quoted in the provided material. The White House's directive, as described, suggests a preference for de-escalation in the conflict with Hezbollah.
This article is based on reporting from Al Jazeera and the Jerusalem Post.