Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s cabinet from a far-right party, urges Netanyahu to resume bombing Beirut in response to increased Hezbollah explosive drone attacks. His remarks come after an Israeli soldier is killed in a drone strike on Sunday, according to Israeli media. Reports say Smotrich made similar comments during a cabinet meeting on Sunday before speaking publicly on Monday.
The calls focus on deterrence against Hezbollah operations that have targeted Israeli troops and towns in northern Israel. The discussion centers on whether Israel should broaden strikes beyond current measures and specifically conduct attacks in Beirut. The reports describe Smotrich’s position as aligning with a more aggressive approach than official policy, noting that he has previously expressed views that extend beyond established government positions.
Across coverage, the key points are that Hezbollah’s use of explosive drones increases pressure on Israel’s military and political leadership, and that Smotrich and other right-wing ministers are pushing Netanyahu to respond with renewed strikes in Beirut.
