Israeli ministers clash over Iran deal as coalition tensions simmer

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has declared that Israel must take unilateral action to bring down Iran’s government, arguing that a proposed agreement would be detrimental to Israeli interests. His comments reflect deepening rifts within the coalition government over how to handle the nuclear negotiations and broader Middle East strategy.

Smotrich’s position represents the hardline faction within Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s cabinet, which has consistently opposed any diplomatic settlement with Tehran. The minister suggested that Israel cannot rely on international agreements and must instead pursue its own military and intelligence operations against the Iranian regime.

Meanwhile, other senior government figures have levelled fierce criticism at Netanyahu’s leadership. Gadi Eisenkot, a fellow cabinet member, accused the government of operating without a coherent strategy and claimed that over three years in office, it has lost public confidence and abandoned Israeli civilians. His remarks underscore growing discontent with the administration’s handling of security matters and governance.

On the Lebanon front, National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir has taken an uncompromising stance, insisting that Israel must not withdraw from any territory it currently holds. Ben Gvir’s hardline position on border security reflects the broader tension between military pragmatism and ideological demands within Netanyahu’s coalition.

The internal divisions highlight the fragility of Netanyahu’s governing coalition, which comprises right-wing and religious parties with competing interests and visions for Israeli security policy.

Source: Ynet — Original article in Hebrew.