Israeli Ministers face backlash over calls to bomb Beirut and detain Hezbollah families

Several Israeli ministers have sparked international criticism after making hardline statements against Lebanon during a Security Cabinet meeting, including calls for intensified strikes on Beirut and the detention of Hezbollah members’ family members.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir urged Israel to adopt tougher measures against Hezbollah, saying the government should consider “occupying territory” in southern Lebanon and taking stronger action against the group. 

According to Israeli media reports, he also suggested detaining relatives of Hezbollah operatives as a form of pressure.

The remarks came amid ongoing cross-border clashes between Israel and Hezbollah. Since renewed fighting escalated in March, Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon have reportedly killed thousands and displaced more than a million people, according to Lebanese authorities and international agencies.

Other Israeli ministers echoed calls for a tougher military response. Culture and Sports Minister Miki Zohar advocated expanding strikes on Beirut’s southern suburb of Dahiyeh, a Hezbollah stronghold, while Settlement Affairs Minister Orit Strock supported occupying additional Lebanese territory. Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that attacks on northern Israel would bring severe retaliation against Dahiyeh.

The statements have heightened fears of a broader regional conflict involving Iran, which backs Hezbollah. Tehran recently warned of a “crushing” response if Israeli attacks on Lebanon continue, while Israel has vowed to maintain its offensive operations.

Analysts say the increasingly aggressive rhetoric could complicate diplomatic efforts aimed at securing a ceasefire and preventing a wider Middle East escalation.