Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir has called for a broader military campaign in Lebanon, saying the entire country should be considered a legitimate target and rejecting efforts to separate Hezbollah from the Lebanese state.
“Lebanon, all of Lebanon, should become our playground. All of Lebanon should be our target,” Ben Gvir said in remarks reported by Israeli media on Monday, June 22.
The minister argued that treating Hezbollah and Lebanon as separate entities was misguided. “They tell me, ‘There is Lebanon and there is Hezbollah.’ I do not accept this artificial approach,” he said.
His comments come as diplomatic efforts continue to secure a ceasefire and reduce tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border.
Ben Gvir also voiced opposition to any agreement that would halt Israeli military operations. Speaking to Israel’s public broadcaster KAN, he said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should make clear to US President Donald Trump that Israel would not support a ceasefire.
“Trump is a true friend, and we must treat him politely and embrace him, but we need to tell him that we cannot agree to a ceasefire in Lebanon,” he said.
Ben Gvir also dismissed any distinction between Lebanon and Hezbollah, arguing that Israel should broaden its military campaign. He described efforts to separate the Lebanese state from the armed group as an “artificial approach” and said “all of Lebanon should be our target”.
The comments come ahead of a fifth round of US-mediated talks between Israel and Lebanon in Washington on Tuesday, June 23, where officials are expected to discuss security issues and efforts to reduce tensions along the border.
His remarks reflect opposition within parts of the Israeli government to diplomatic initiatives linked to Lebanon and broader regional negotiations involving Iran. Israeli media reports have suggested some officials are concerned that any future understanding between Washington and Tehran could alter the balance of power in the region.
Ben-Gvir’s stance aligns with recent comments by other senior ministers advocating a continued Israeli military presence in southern Lebanon.
Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said at the weekend that Israeli forces should remain in areas under their control for the foreseeable future, arguing that withdrawal would be premature while Hezbollah retains its military capabilities.
Defence Minister Israel Katz has similarly stated that Israeli troops will remain in positions within what Israel describes as a security zone in southern Lebanon, saying the deployment is necessary for the protection of northern Israeli communities.
Meanwhile, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun discussed efforts to reinforce the ceasefire and curb further escalation during talks with senior US and Qatari officials, according to a statement from the Lebanese presidency.
Lebanese authorities say more than 4,100 people have been killed and over 12,000 injured since the conflict intensified in March. Despite ongoing diplomatic contacts, significant differences remain over the conditions required for a lasting settlement.
