According to a report by Kyiv Post on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reject what he described as U.S. pressure and intensify military operations against Hezbollah, despite claims by U.S. President Donald Trump that a ceasefire has been reached between Israel and the Lebanese armed group.
The controversy follows Trump’s announcement on Monday that he held what he described as a “very productive” call with Netanyahu and contacts linked to Hezbollah, during which he said both sides agreed to halt hostilities on the Israel–Lebanon front.
According to Trump, Israel committed to stopping planned troop movements toward Beirut, with forces already en route allegedly ordered to turn back. He also claimed that Hezbollah had agreed to cease fire, framing the understanding as a mutual commitment to end ongoing exchanges.
“I had a very productive call with Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu of Israel, and there will be no troops going to Beirut, and any troops that are on their way have already been turned back,” Trump said. “Likewise, through highly placed representatives, I had a very good call with Hezbollah, and they agreed that all shooting will stop.”
Trump further stated that discussions with Iran were continuing “at a rapid pace,” even as Iranian state-linked media reported that Tehran had suspended indirect negotiations with mediators in protest against Israel’s expanding military campaign in Lebanon, warning of possible escalation on additional fronts.
However, the ceasefire claims were quickly challenged within Israel’s political establishment.
In a post on social media platform X, Ben-Gvir directly addressed Netanyahu, invoking the prime minister’s previous remarks that strong leadership requires knowing when to agree with the United States and when to push back.
“Mr. Prime Minister, you said that a strong prime minister tells the President of the United States ‘yes’ when possible, and ‘no’ when necessary,” Ben-Gvir wrote. “This is the time to tell our friend, President Trump — no. Now is the time to do what is required and necessary to strike Hezbollah, to unleash the hands of our fighters, and to restore security to the north.”
His remarks effectively urged Netanyahu to continue or escalate military action against Hezbollah, directly contradicting the ceasefire framework outlined by Trump and raising questions about whether any such agreement has broad Israeli political backing.
The dispute comes amid a rapidly intensifying conflict along the Israel–Lebanon border. Israeli forces have expanded operations in southern Lebanon, with reports indicating ground advances beyond the Litani River and continued airstrikes on Hezbollah strongholds, including the southern suburbs of Beirut known as Dahiyeh.
Israeli troops have reportedly raised the national flag over strategic positions such as Beaufort Castle, while evacuation orders issued for areas south of the Zahrani River have triggered new waves of civilian displacement.
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam has condemned Israel’s actions, accusing it of pursuing a “scorched-earth policy and collective punishment” in southern Lebanon. He has called for an immediate and credible ceasefire, even as US-mediated diplomatic efforts continue between regional stakeholders.
