Ben Gvir Urges Netanyahu to Stand Firm Amid Trump's Rebuke Over Beirut Strike

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir has thrown his support behind Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urging him to maintain his course as tensions escalate between Washington and Tel Aviv over a recent military operation.

Posting on the X platform, Ben Gvir conveyed his backing with a direct appeal: "Mr. Prime Minister, be strong and courageous, do not be afraid and do not retreat."

The show of support follows revelations from Israeli Channel 12 that US President Donald Trump has expressed unprecedented public criticism of Netanyahu, particularly regarding the Israeli strike on Beirut's southern suburb that took place Sunday morning.

In his remarks to the channel, Trump outlined his displeasure with the operation, stating that he had delivered a direct message to Netanyahu communicating his complete dissatisfaction. Trump elaborated on the circumstances, saying: "Why did Bibi carry out this attack? Hezbollah opened fire and hit an area in the middle of nowhere, and no one was hurt. Then he had to carry out this damned attack, and on top of that in Beirut. That made me very angry."

Trump further described the timing as particularly problematic, recounting: "They called me and said: Sir, Israel is attacking Beirut, an hour before we were supposed to sign the agreement… I could not believe this was happening… This is a very bad thing."

The US president was unsparing in his assessment of Netanyahu's decision-making, declaring: "Bibi does not have any good judgment in making the decision." Trump emphasized that he had made his position crystal clear to the Israeli leader and expressed his strong dissatisfaction with the operation.

Israel characterized the Beirut raid as a response to drone fire directed at northern Israel. According to Israeli media reports, the operation targeted a Hezbollah official within the Liaison and Coordination Unit. The strike has coincided with Iranian threats to retaliate against the Israeli action.