Netanyahu faces Israeli calls for broader strikes against Hezbollah
Benny Gantz and Itamar Ben-Gvir say prime minister needs to remove the threat in the north completely
Netanyahu Criticized for Limited Airstrikes, Facing Divisions Over Jerusalem
Amidst a severe political backlash in Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing criticism for the limited nature of Sunday's airstrikes against Hezbollah. Calls for a broader offensive in Lebanon are growing, particularly from the far-right wing of Netanyahu's own coalition.
Coalition Divided Over Airstrikes
The airstrikes targeted Hezbollah, who had launched rocket and drone attacks on Israel. The engagement was the most significant cross-border interaction since 2006 in terms of aircraft sorties and munitions launched. However, critics argue that Netanyahu's limited goal has failed to address the issue of displaced residents in northern border towns.
Benny Gantz, a former minister in Netanyahu's coalition, called the airstrikes "too little, too late." He advocated for increased pressure on Hezbollah to ensure the safe return of northern residents.
Far-Right Minister Demands Decisive Action
Itamar Ben-Gvir, Netanyahu's far-right national security minister, joined the criticism. He called for a "decisive war" against Hezbollah to eliminate the threat in the north and allow residents to return home.
Controversy Over Jerusalem Holy Site
The coalition is also facing divisions over the status of Jerusalem's holiest site, known as the Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif. Ben-Gvir is pushing to change the status quo, which currently allows only Muslims to pray on the compound, while Jews pray at the Western Wall.
Ben-Gvir's visit to the site and calls for Jewish prayers there have sparked outrage among Palestinians and concerns in the wider Arab world. The prime minister's office insists that there has been no change in the status quo, while other coalition members have condemned Ben-Gvir's actions.
Defense Minister Condemns Ben-Gvir's Actions
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant accused Ben-Gvir of endangering Israel with his rhetoric. He warned that undermining the status quo on the Temple Mount could trigger violence.
Interior Minister Moshe Arbel called for Ben-Gvir to be stripped of his authority over the police, citing his lack of wisdom and potential for endangering lives.
Residents Protest Coalition Priorities
Representatives of the displaced population have accused the coalition of prioritizing the defense of central Israel over the north. They have vowed to boycott meetings with government representatives and demand that the residents of northern border towns be allowed to return home.
Political Spectrum Criticizes Netanyahu
Netanyahu is facing criticism from both the center and right of the political spectrum for his handling of the airstrikes and the Jerusalem holy site controversy. Critics argue that he has prioritized political considerations over the safety of Israeli citizens and the country's sovereignty.
The political backlash and divisions within the coalition highlight the challenges Netanyahu faces in maintaining stability and addressing the complex security and diplomatic issues facing Israel.
Amidst a severe political backlash in Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is facing criticism for the limited nature of Sunday's airstrikes against Hezbollah. Calls for a broader offensive in Lebanon are growing, particularly from the far-right wing of Netanyahu's own coalition.
Coalition Divided Over Airstrikes
The airstrikes targeted Hezbollah, who had launched rocket and drone attacks on Israel. The engagement was the most significant cross-border interaction since 2006 in terms of aircraft sorties and munitions launched. However, critics argue that Netanyahu's limited goal has failed to address the issue of displaced residents in northern border towns.
Benny Gantz, a former minister in Netanyahu's coalition, called the airstrikes "too little, too late." He advocated for increased pressure on Hezbollah to ensure the safe return of northern residents.
Far-Right Minister Demands Decisive Action
Itamar Ben-Gvir, Netanyahu's far-right national security minister, joined the criticism. He called for a "decisive war" against Hezbollah to eliminate the threat in the north and allow residents to return home.
Controversy Over Jerusalem Holy Site
The coalition is also facing divisions over the status of Jerusalem's holiest site, known as the Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif. Ben-Gvir is pushing to change the status quo, which currently allows only Muslims to pray on the compound, while Jews pray at the Western Wall.
Ben-Gvir's visit to the site and calls for Jewish prayers there have sparked outrage among Palestinians and concerns in the wider Arab world. The prime minister's office insists that there has been no change in the status quo, while other coalition members have condemned Ben-Gvir's actions.
Defense Minister Condemns Ben-Gvir's Actions
Defense Minister Yoav Gallant accused Ben-Gvir of endangering Israel with his rhetoric. He warned that undermining the status quo on the Temple Mount could trigger violence.
Interior Minister Moshe Arbel called for Ben-Gvir to be stripped of his authority over the police, citing his lack of wisdom and potential for endangering lives.
Residents Protest Coalition Priorities
Representatives of the displaced population have accused the coalition of prioritizing the defense of central Israel over the north. They have vowed to boycott meetings with government representatives and demand that the residents of northern border towns be allowed to return home.
Political Spectrum Criticizes Netanyahu
Netanyahu is facing criticism from both the center and right of the political spectrum for his handling of the airstrikes and the Jerusalem holy site controversy. Critics argue that he has prioritized political considerations over the safety of Israeli citizens and the country's sovereignty.
The political backlash and divisions within the coalition highlight the challenges Netanyahu faces in maintaining stability and addressing the complex security and diplomatic issues facing Israel.