Israel-Lebanon Conflict: Itamar Ben Gvir Rejects US-Proposed Ceasefire
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir has openly rejected a ceasefire plan between Israel and Lebanon being pursued by the United States, escalating tensions in the Middle East. In a controversial statement, he suggested that Lebanon should be under full Israeli domination.
During an interview with Israeli public broadcaster KAN on Monday (22/6), Ben Gvir insisted the government must not accept the conflict cessation agreement. He argued that Lebanon is not fit to be part of a peace deal under current conditions. “Israel cannot agree to a ceasefire in Lebanon,” Ben Gvir asserted.
He also urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to take a firm stance with US President Donald Trump. While acknowledging Trump as a true friend, Ben Gvir stressed that Israel’s national security interests must take precedence. “Trump is a true friend. We must treat him with courtesy and embrace him, but we need to tell him that we cannot agree to a ceasefire in Lebanon,” he said, adding that military decisions rest solely with Israel and claiming positive outcomes for soldiers on the ground.
This hardline position directly contradicts Washington’s claims. On Friday (19/6), President Trump stated that Israel had agreed to a new ceasefire with Lebanon, describing the deal as a “perfect complement” to easing regional tensions.
Ben Gvir’s rejection highlights internal divisions within the Israeli government, particularly regarding US diplomacy in the region, including a memorandum of understanding between the US and Iran. Opposition figures like Avigdor Lieberman of the Yisrael Beiteinu party have also criticised policies perceived as prioritising global interests over domestic security.
Meanwhile, Hezbollah has expressed readiness to comply with a ceasefire but accuses Israel of continuing to expand its military operations. The conflict in Lebanon has claimed thousands of lives and triggered a profound humanitarian crisis, while diplomatic solutions remain stalled by political infighting within the Israeli cabinet.