Benny Gantz, leader of the National Unity Party, issued a forceful call for action, urging Prime Minister Netanyahu to prepare Israel for a direct assault on Iran's nuclear infrastructure.
Speaking at a faction meeting, Gantz emphasized the pressing need to strengthen Israel’s defense across multiple fronts, describing the steps he believes are critical for the country's security.
“I want to sound an alarm here and pull on the lapel of the prime minister’s coat,” Gantz declared, warning of the "enormous challenges" Israel will face in the coming years. "The State of Israel will need to defend all our borders, to take military action in Gaza, Judea and Samaria, and Lebanon, with much greater ground forces and in a much more intensified manner than we have seen until now," he stated. Gantz outlined a clear directive: Israel must “prepare politically, economically, and militarily for the destruction of Iran’s nuclear facilities and to fight against its expansion.”
Gantz emphasized that beyond immediate military readiness, Israel should ensure its resilience at home, particularly in vulnerable communities near Gaza and the northern border. He called for comprehensive support and redevelopment in these areas, “so that for every damaged house in Metula, three will be built. So that children and families in the villages and towns surrounding the Gaza Strip will play on the lawns where the blood of our loved ones was brutally spilled.”
Yisrael Beiteinu Chairman Avigdor Lieberman echoed Gantz’s urgent tone, advocating for an immediate offensive against Iran. “No delay—strike now. We need to shift from a proportional response to a crushing one,” Lieberman stated firmly, emphasizing the necessity of a first strike. Addressing the situation in Lebanon, he warned, “If we stop now in Lebanon with a weak agreement, we’ll be fighting another war in Lebanon within seven to eight years.”