Netanyahu Questions Opposition to Trump’s Ceasefire with Iran

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu encountered strong ministerial resistance within the security cabinet after he decided to comply with US President Donald Trump’s demand to impose a ceasefire with Iran. Netanyahu responded to his ministers opposing the détente by asking a critical question: "Why should we clash with him?"

The confrontation began immediately after Netanyahu briefed the ministers on his recent talks with Trump and his decision to halt hostilities. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir protested vehemently, calling for an offensive policy: "We must make it clear to Trump that we have red lines, and if we are attacked from Lebanon or Iran, that is a red line and we must respond."

The newspaper reported that Netanyahu did not hesitate to restrain Ben-Gvir, replying with sharp sarcasm hinting at political motives: "Well, the elections are in three months." Ben-Gvir defended himself by saying, "It counts for me that I always say this, whether there are elections or not."

Opposition was not limited to Ben-Gvir. Finance Minister and Deputy Defense Minister Bezalel Smotrich expressed clear reservations about confronting Iran’s core, stating that "attacking Iran has its costs, and it is a complex and multifaceted operation."

Instead of direct confrontation with Trump, Smotrich proposed adopting the "Dahiya model," which involves launching a strong attack on Beirut to compel Hezbollah to plead for mercy and thereby separate the Lebanese and Iranian fronts.

Supporting this stance, Shas party leader Aryeh Deri took a pragmatic position, emphasizing the need to abandon ideas of attacking Iran and Beirut and to act responsibly, according to the same report.

Regarding the opposition, Netanyahu justified his alignment with Trump by citing practical reasons, stating: "We agree with Trump; he refuses to release the frozen Iranian funds, and we are determined to recover the nuclear materials. So why should we clash with him?"

The newspaper quoted senior officials saying that Trump insisted on enforcing calm to avoid jeopardizing the chances of an agreement with the Iranians. Netanyahu appeared fully satisfied and showed no sign of disappointment, stressing to his ministers the importance of cooperating with Trump, whom he called "a great friend." Government officials sought to soften the perception of retreat by stating: "There was no surrender... We responded to the Iranians, and this is not the last round."