Israeli official spurns call for truce: ‘All of Lebanon must burn’
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir called for Lebanon to burn after four Israeli soldiers died in clashes with Hezbollah. He rejected American calls for restraint and urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to abandon measured responses. The comments drew international condemnation and a dismissal from candidate Bennett.
What changed
New details include Ben-Gvir's specific social media posts and the reactions of other Israeli political figures.
Live updates
-
Ben-Gvir Demands Lebanon Burn Following Soldier Deaths
confidence 90%National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir called for Lebanon to burn after four Israeli soldiers died in clashes with Hezbollah. He rejected American calls for restraint and urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to abandon measured responses. The comments drew international condemnation and a dismissal from candidate Bennett.
What's confirmed:
- National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir stated "all of Lebanon must burn" after four Israeli soldiers were killed.
- Ben-Gvir posted on X that "For every tear of an Israeli mother, a thousand Lebanese mothers must weep."
- The minister's rhetoric sparked international condemnation.
- Clashes between Israel and Hezbollah continue despite a US-Iran ceasefire.
Still unconfirmed:
- Candidate Bennett described Ben-Gvir as a clown with no real influence over military policy.
- Ben-Gvir privately urged Prime Minister Netanyahu to go berserk to defeat terror.
- Eighteen people in Lebanon were killed during the clashes.
-
Israeli Ministers Demand Escalation in Lebanon
confidence 90%National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called for intensified attacks in Lebanon. These demands followed the deaths of four Israeli soldiers. Ben-Gvir stated that all of Lebanon must burn.
What's confirmed:
- National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said "all of Lebanon must burn".
- Four Israeli soldiers were killed in an overnight incident.
- Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called for intensified attacks in Lebanon.
Still unconfirmed:
- Donald Trump called for Benjamin Netanyahu to be more responsible regarding Lebanon this week.
- Fighting between Israel and Hezbollah escalated after an interim US-Iran deal was signed.
-
Israeli Minister Says Lebanon Must Burn as Fighting Escalates
confidence 90%Israeli forces and Hezbollah are engaged in intense combat in southern Lebanon. The IDF reports four soldiers were killed, including a senior officer. In response, an Israeli minister rejected ceasefire calls and stated that all of Lebanon must burn.
What's confirmed:
- Four Israeli soldiers, including a tank battalion commander, were killed in a Hezbollah attack in southern Lebanon.
- The IDF conducted overnight strikes on Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon.
- An Israeli minister stated, "All of Lebanon must burn," after the IDF reported the deaths of four soldiers.
- Next-phase talks between the U.S. and Iran have been postponed.
Still unconfirmed:
- Israeli strikes killed 18 people in Lebanon.
- Israeli strikes killed 16 people in south Lebanon.
- Fresh Israeli strikes killed at least five people despite a renewed ceasefire.