National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir proposed arresting family members of Hezbollah operatives during a political-security cabinet meeting on Tuesday, while several ministers also called for expanding military operations in Lebanon and increasing defense procurement budgets.
Other ministers at the meeting urged Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich to increase funding for military procurement and defense needs as the cabinet discussed the campaign in Lebanon and the possibility of expanding military operations.
Ben-Gvir calls for expanded measures against Hezbollah
The cabinet discussion focused on the Lebanese front and the possibility of expanding military operations.
Ben-Gvir proposed harming the civilian environment of Hezbollah operatives as a means of deterrence.
"Let's start thinking outside the box about Hezbollah," he said, "Also, conquering territory and killing many terrorists, but also arresting their women and youth and taking them to terrorist prisons. That's what hurts them the most."
Ministers press for increased military funding
A significant portion of the meeting was devoted to the budget crisis and the need for additional military equipment.
Minister of the Negev, Galilee, and National Resilience Yitzhak Wasserlauf directly opposed Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich's conduct and demanded that he release the budgets.
Wasserlauf explained that "a disproportionate response is needed in Lebanon and also additional armaments. A lot of armaments. Smotrich needs to open his pockets so that he can start to wake up."
Defense Minister Israel Katz supported the economic demand and also called on the Finance Ministry to inject funds into the army's equipment.
"The prime minister made an important decision to attack, and we must expand the armaments even further," Katz claimed, adding, "The Treasury needs to give more money, and I agree that much more needs to be given to the IDF."
Debate comes amid ceasefire pressure
The ministers' remarks came amid international pressure and political developments surrounding the fighting in Lebanon.
The discussion took place shortly after a conversation between US President Donald Trump and the Israeli political leadership that led to an official directive to hold fire on the northern front.
Despite the order to halt fighting, the ministers' comments reflected support within parts of the government for expanding the campaign in Lebanon, both operationally, as advocated by Ben-Gvir, and through increased military preparedness and procurement, as urged by Katz and Wasserlauf.