Jerusalem – Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir has strongly rejected any potential ceasefire with Hezbollah in Lebanon, describing the idea as unrealistic and warning that it poses serious security risks to Israel.
In a public statement, Ben Gvir argued that Hezbollah cannot be trusted to withdraw its forces north of the Litani River as required under any agreement. He urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to firmly tell incoming US President Donald Trump “no” to any deal that does not fully address Israel’s concerns.
The comments come as reports circulate about a possible breakthrough. Lebanese President Aoun indicated that a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah could take effect within 24 hours if all parties give their approval.
Ben Gvir’s position highlights deep divisions within the Israeli government over how to end the conflict. While many Israelis support strong action against Hezbollah, others worry about the costs of prolonged fighting. Ben Gvir has long taken a hardline stance, emphasizing that Israel must prioritize security and territorial control over rushed peace efforts.
The ongoing tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border have led to months of exchanges between Israeli forces and Hezbollah militants. Any ceasefire would need to balance military needs with diplomatic pressure from the United States and other international players.
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Background on the Dispute
The Litani River has been a key line in proposed agreements, with Israel demanding that Hezbollah pull back to prevent future attacks on northern Israeli communities. Ben Gvir and his allies believe that without ironclad guarantees, any pause in fighting would only allow Hezbollah to regroup.
As talks continue behind the scenes, Ben Gvir’s vocal opposition could complicate efforts to reach a deal. It remains unclear how Netanyahu will balance these internal pressures with external calls for de-escalation.
