In light of efforts to reach a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces increasing internal pressures, particularly from National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who warned that his party would withdraw from the governing coalition if a ceasefire agreement is signed with Hezbollah. Ben Gvir emphasized that allowing the “enemy to recover” would be a grave mistake, demanding that military operations continue to achieve a “complete defeat” of Hezbollah.

Despite American pressures for a temporary ceasefire, Netanyahu has backtracked on the approval initially expressed by his government, stating after arriving in New York that Israel will continue to target Hezbollah aggressively to achieve its goals, including securing the return of northern residents to their homes. This backtrack comes after threats from far-right ministers, in addition to opposition criticism that sees the ceasefire as a retreat from military achievements.

These tensions cast a shadow over Israeli-American relations, as Washington had pressured for a temporary ceasefire to prevent a broader escalation between the parties.