Ben-Gvir Urges Jailing Hezbollah Families as Ministers Push Wider Lebanon Offensive, More IDF Funding
Updated
Updated · The Jerusalem Post · Jun 9
Ben-Gvir Urges Jailing Hezbollah Families as Ministers Push Wider Lebanon Offensive, More IDF Funding
3 articles · Updated · The Jerusalem Post · Jun 9
Summary
At a political-security cabinet meeting on Tuesday, Itamar Ben-Gvir proposed arresting Hezbollah operatives’ women and youths and sending them to prison as part of a tougher Lebanon campaign.
The discussion centered on whether to widen operations on the Lebanese front, with Ben-Gvir arguing that targeting Hezbollah’s civilian environment would strengthen deterrence alongside seizing territory and killing militants.
Yitzhak Wasserlauf and Defense Minister Israel Katz also pressed Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich to release more money for arms and military equipment, saying the army needs significantly larger procurement budgets.
The push for harsher action came after a call involving President Donald Trump led to an official order to hold fire in the north, highlighting cabinet pressure to escalate despite ceasefire demands.
With top ministers facing ICC warrants, is Israel on a collision course with the international legal order?
As US aid shifts to industrial integration, will oversight of Israel's military actions disappear?
Can replicating the 'Gaza model' in Lebanon achieve security or will it ignite a wider, perpetual conflict?
Israeli Offensive in Lebanon 2026: Ceasefire Breakdown, 1 Million Displaced, and Worsening Regional Crisis
Overview
In June 2026, the conflict between Israel and Lebanon sharply escalated, despite a ceasefire announced by U.S. President Donald Trump in April. Fighting continued in southern Lebanon, with Israeli strikes hitting Beirut and Hezbollah launching rockets in response to Israeli attacks on villages. The Israeli government adopted a hardline stance, increasing military funding and targeting Hezbollah positions, while Hezbollah maintained its resistance and rejected ceasefire terms. This ongoing violence has caused severe humanitarian crises, mass displacement, and international concern, as diplomatic efforts struggle to achieve a lasting peace amid deep regional tensions and legal controversies.