Benny Gantz, head of the National Unity party, delivered a strong message during his party’s meeting on Monday, urging Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu to ready the country for a potential strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities.
“I want to sound an alarm and get the Prime Minister’s attention. Israel faces formidable challenges over the next decade, needing to defend all our borders and engage in intensified military operations in Gaza, Judea and Samaria, and Lebanon,” Gantz declared. “We must be prepared—politically, economically, and militarily—for the elimination of Iran’s nuclear capabilities and to counter its regional ambitions. We also need to focus on rebuilding and fortifying our northern and southern regions. For every home destroyed in Metula, three new ones must rise. We owe it to the families living near the Gaza border, whose lawns are stained with the blood of their loved ones, to create a secure environment.”
He emphasized the need for a shift in budget priorities, stating, “Anyone who thinks we can tackle these challenges with a budget that prioritizes coalition politics over essential growth is detached from reality. I urge the Prime Minister and coalition members: to maintain a capable army, to afford necessary ammunition, and to foster a society willing to face hardships, we must confront reality head-on. Change the framework of Israeli service now, realign the budget, and halt the police reform before it’s too late.”
Gantz drew parallels with past leadership, saying, “Rabin exemplified responsibility. After the failed attempt to rescue Nachshon Waxman, he accepted accountability, saying, ‘I am responsible.’ Tough decisions are necessary now as well. We can’t rely on the hope that things will just be okay—we must act decisively to safeguard our lives here.”
He stressed the IDF’s readiness, stating, “As someone familiar with the IDF’s strengths, I can assure you that no facility in Iran is beyond reach. Iran’s aggressions will ultimately weaken its military, devastate its economy, and trigger a public uprising. Iran’s leaders would be wise to reconsider their course of action.”
Concluding his remarks, Gantz offered pointed advice: “To the Prime Minister seeking a ‘solution’ for the State Attorney and government ministers: avoid legislation that creates disparities, don’t push for regime changes, and the State Attorney won’t be an issue. Address the real needs of Israeli citizens, and you’ll find no interference. The fact that, amid serious allegations concerning national security breaches in Netanyahu’s office, he’s focused on undermining the gatekeepers, should alarm every citizen. If the rule of law is inconvenient for the Prime Minister or ministers, they can relocate to countries where governance lacks oversight. Israel will remain a liberal democracy, and we won’t permit harm to our gatekeepers.”
Avigdor Lieberman, leader of Yisrael Beiteinu, also addressed the ongoing conflict and the sensitive leak from the Prime Minister’s Office at his party’s meeting. He spoke about the urgency of a potential strike on Iran, stating, “No more delays; strike immediately. Move from a measured response to a decisive one.”
Commenting on the northern border situation, Lieberman warned, “If we settle for an inadequate agreement in Lebanon now, we’ll find ourselves in another conflict there within 7 to 8 years. We cannot afford to stand idly by, waiting for the next Iranian reaction.”
Touching on daycare subsidies, Lieberman criticized, “The coalition is seeking backing from Arab parties. I sincerely hope that the Bibi-Tibi alliance doesn’t succeed.”
On the leak issue, Lieberman posed a critical question: “The key issue is determining who authorized it.” He added that, although invited to discuss the matter with Gantz and Lapid, he declined to speak based on “incomplete information.”
{Matzav.com}
