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Netanyahu Faces Backlash Over Beirut Strike Walkback
(MENAFN) Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced mounting criticism on Monday from both opposition figures and members of his own governing coalition after reports that he halted planned airstrikes on Beirut following pressure from US President Donald Trump.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid accused the government of yielding to outside influence, writing on X that "(Israel) is a country under complete guardianship."
Former Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman, who heads the Yisrael Beiteinu party, also attacked Netanyahu's leadership.
"Netanyahu is not a prime minister, but a puppet," he said in a statement carried by a news channel.
Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett joined the criticism, arguing that Netanyahu's administration "has lost control over Israeli sovereignty," according to the newspaper Israel Hayom.
Dissent also emerged from within the governing coalition. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, a key coalition partner, publicly urged Netanyahu to reject American pressure and continue military action against Hezbollah.
“It is time to tell our friend, President Trump - 'no',” Ben-Gvir said on his X account.
“Now is the time to do what is required and necessary to strike Hezbollah, untie the hands of our fighters, and restore security to the north.”
Earlier Monday, Netanyahu reportedly instructed the Israeli military to prepare airstrikes on Beirut's southern suburbs in response to what he described as Hezbollah attacks. However, Israeli media outlets later reported that the operation was canceled after US intervention.
Trump said earlier in the day that Israel and Hezbollah had reached an understanding aimed at ending attacks between the two sides.
Despite the announcement, Israeli military operations in Lebanon have continued since a ceasefire took effect on April 17. The truce was later extended by 45 days following indirect negotiations mediated by the United States.
According to the Lebanese Health Ministry, Israeli attacks carried out since March 2 have resulted in more than 3,400 deaths across Lebanon.
Opposition leader Yair Lapid accused the government of yielding to outside influence, writing on X that "(Israel) is a country under complete guardianship."
Former Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman, who heads the Yisrael Beiteinu party, also attacked Netanyahu's leadership.
"Netanyahu is not a prime minister, but a puppet," he said in a statement carried by a news channel.
Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett joined the criticism, arguing that Netanyahu's administration "has lost control over Israeli sovereignty," according to the newspaper Israel Hayom.
Dissent also emerged from within the governing coalition. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, a key coalition partner, publicly urged Netanyahu to reject American pressure and continue military action against Hezbollah.
“It is time to tell our friend, President Trump - 'no',” Ben-Gvir said on his X account.
“Now is the time to do what is required and necessary to strike Hezbollah, untie the hands of our fighters, and restore security to the north.”
Earlier Monday, Netanyahu reportedly instructed the Israeli military to prepare airstrikes on Beirut's southern suburbs in response to what he described as Hezbollah attacks. However, Israeli media outlets later reported that the operation was canceled after US intervention.
Trump said earlier in the day that Israel and Hezbollah had reached an understanding aimed at ending attacks between the two sides.
Despite the announcement, Israeli military operations in Lebanon have continued since a ceasefire took effect on April 17. The truce was later extended by 45 days following indirect negotiations mediated by the United States.
According to the Lebanese Health Ministry, Israeli attacks carried out since March 2 have resulted in more than 3,400 deaths across Lebanon.
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