Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. File
| Photo Credit: Reuters
Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir criticised on Thursday (June 4, 2026) a ceasefire deal with Lebanon brokered by Washington, calling it a “serious mistake”. “The ceasefire with Lebanon is a serious mistake and the pipe dreams of advisers are dragging the Prime Minister (Benjamin Netanyahu) to wrong decisions,” the Minister wrote on X.
Israel, Lebanon agree to conditional ceasefire
Israel and Lebanon agreed on Wednesday (June 3, 2026) to implement a ceasefire but said it would require a “complete cessation” of fire by Iran-backed Hezbollah, according to a joint statement after U.S.-led talks in Washington.
Ben Gvir said the deal, which would see Hezbollah withdraw from southern Lebanon, cannot be enforced and the Lebanese state cannot be trusted. “Hezbollah has not left the area south of the Litani, and the Lebanese Army has no way to enforce its evacuation. The state of Lebanon is a partner of Hezbollah,” the hawkish Minister wrote. He also chastised Mr. Netanyahu for giving in to U.S. pressures to reach a deal.
“The Prime Minister should have told U.S. President Donald Trump: We love and appreciate you, but Israel is a sovereign and independent state,” Ben Gvir wrote. “There are moments when one must know how to say ‘no’, even to the President of the United States, and when we don’t do so, we will meet Hezbollah next time when it is much stronger and more dangerous,” he added.
Published – June 04, 2026 03:07 pm IST
