Gantz Demands Fierce Strikes: 'No Planes Should Take Off in Beirut'
In a fiery faction meeting, the Blue and White leader warned that Israel must transition from defense to offense, challenging both U.S. pressure and emerging regional nuclear talks.
Blue and White party chairman Benny Gantz sharply criticized the government’s containment policy toward Hezbollah, calling for a massive escalation in military strikes against the Lebanon-based terrorist organization. Gantz's remarks followed a series of explosive drone attacks targeting Israel Defense Forces (IDF) positions and civilian communities along the northern border.
Retaliation Against the Dahiyeh
Speaking at the start of his party's faction meeting, Gantz emphasized that while Israel possesses world-class early warning technologies to counter explosive drones, technology alone is insufficient. He argued that the strategic paradigm must shift from defense to offense.
"Against Hezbollah, the best defense is an offense," Gantz stated. "If explosive drones continue to crash in Israel, not a single plane should take off in Beirut. If residents in Misgav Am are celebrating the Shavuot holiday inside bomb shelters, then buildings should be falling in the Dahiyeh( A prominent Hezbollah stronghold in the southern suburbs of Beirut)''.
Gantz, who noted that Sunday marked 26 years since the IDF's withdrawal from the southern Lebanon security zone, reflected on his military career, stating he entered Lebanon as a private and left as a brigadier general. He warned that allowing Iran to establish Beirut as a proxy capital would permanently jeopardize northern Israel's security.
Pushback on U.S. Diplomatic Pressure
Addressing the diplomatic arena, Gantz asserted that Israel must be willing to push back against its closest ally when it comes to defending border communities situated just hundreds of meters from southern Lebanese villages.
"On this issue, we must know how to say 'no' even to our American friends," Gantz said, adding that Israel needs clear dialogue with Washington rather than speeches in Congress. "The political echelon must grant the IDF the capability to act offensively anywhere, at any range, and by any method."
Skepticism Over Emerging Iran Nuclear Deal
Turning to regional threats, Gantz expressed severe concern over the advancing negotiations between Washington and Tehran regarding Iran's nuclear program.
He reiterated that any successful diplomatic framework must require the complete destruction or removal of enriched uranium, a total halt to long-range ballistic missile production, and the termination of funding for regional proxies. Present indicators, Gantz warned, suggest current negotiations are falling dangerously short of these goals.
"At the very least, Israel must maintain its freedom of action in any agreement," Gantz said. He explained that this necessity is precisely why he has historically opposed a formal defense treaty with the United States, arguing that Israel must preserve the independent right and capability to neutralize threats if Iran violates future accords.
Calls for Ultra-Orthodox Conscription
Gantz concluded his remarks by addressing domestic policy, heavily criticizing ultra-Orthodox (Haredi) political leadership for refusing to participate in legislative solutions regarding IDF conscription.
"We need a government that solves our problems, not a government that exempts tens of thousands from IDF service," Gantz said.
He called for the formation of a broad, Zionist unity government that does not rely on either Arab or ultra-Orthodox parties, urging fellow opposition and coalition members to prioritize the needs of active-duty soldiers over political survival.