National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir called today (Monday), at the beginning of his faction's meeting in the Knesset, for continued Israeli activity in southern Lebanon, even in the event of a dispute with the United States - and emphasized that Israel is committed first and foremost to its security.
""We must act from a single, clear and uncompromising consciousness: the security of Israeli citizens and IDF fighters is above all other considerations," said Ben Gvir. "A sovereign state is not a contractor for any power, and it is not bound by agreements that block its ability to defend itself. In the face of existential threats, we must not act from external pressure, but from the dictates of national conscience.".
""Just as a person is obligated to do what is necessary to protect his home, so the State of Israel is obligated to do what Israel needs to do.".
He emphasized: "History teaches us a painful lesson: every time we chose the path of containment, postponement of a decision, or reliance on imaginary calm, we paid the most expensive price.".
""I make it clear unequivocally, the period of endless rounds of fighting is over. Not in Gaza, not in Lebanon, and not against Iran. I demand that the Prime Minister allow the IDF soldiers to continue the important activity of demolishing houses, eliminating Hezbollah terrorists, and removing residents from their homes - we must not act according to the summaries between Trump and Khamenei.".
He stated: "Any fragment of a drone or missile launched towards us will require a crushing response, up to the point of burning the dacha. Firing at the State of Israel is tantamount to a declaration of war, and in war, as in war, one strives for a decisive outcome.".
""We have proven in practice that when a security opportunity arises, our moral duty is to complete the mission to completion. Stopping halfway is not a strategy or an option.".
He said, "We cherish and appreciate the deep friendship with the United States and President Trump's stand by Israel. However, the direct and sole responsibility for Israel's security rests solely with the Israeli government. Israel must maintain full security freedom of action at all times and in all places. We will not accept a reality in which terrorist organizations maintain capabilities that threaten our sovereignty and the lives of our citizens.".
He addressed Netanyahu: "Our dear Prime Minister - in moments like these, leadership is tested. History will never remember who sought temporary and false peace, but only who dared to ensure the security of the people and the state. The people of Israel returned to their land to live in security, freedom and pride, and that is exactly how I expect you to continue to act.".
During the faction meeting, Ben-Gvir explained why he opposes unification with Religious Zionism and claimed that only a separate run would allow the formation of a right-wing government after the elections.
He said, "Smotrich should run in a separate sectoral party - and I believe he will pass the threshold, while Otzma Yehudit will appeal to the entire Israeli public to expand the power of the right-wing bloc.".
