Likud MKs strongly oppose Netanyahu’s agreement with Hezbollah

Netanyahu at the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee. — Photo: Yonatan Sindel/Flash90

"Likud MPs Join Rebellion Against Lebanon Deal: 'Self-Deception at Its Worst'"

Opposition to the proposed Hezbollah ceasefire agreement is growing within Netanyahu's own Likud party, with lawmakers warning it repeats past security mistakes. The criticism follows National Security Minister Ben Gvir's earlier rejection of the deal.

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"This agreement hands Hezbollah strategic gains while squandering our military advantages," warned Knesset Member Dan Illouz. "Trusting the Lebanese army to control the south? Pure self-deception. They're part of a government where Hezbollah calls the shots."

Illouz outlined alternative demands Israel should make:

- Create a civilian-free buffer zone along the border

- Force Hezbollah beyond anti-tank missile range

- Maintain unrestricted Israeli strike capabilities

- Impose international sanctions on all Hezbollah operations

"Our northern residents should see IDF soldiers when they look out their windows, not Hezbollah positions," Illouz insisted. He dismissed proposed international monitoring mechanisms as "toothless," comparing them to failed past agreements.

Fellow Likud MK Eliyahu Ravidov was more blunt: "We're walking into another 18 years of failed policy!"

The pushback comes as Netanyahu works to secure cabinet support for the U.S.-brokered deal, which would see Hezbollah withdraw from the border region while allowing displaced Israeli residents to return home. Critics argue that it's not enough to prevent the group's rearmament.

"If the international community wants peace, they should pressure Hezbollah to surrender, not Israel to compromise," Illouz concluded. "Anything less than total security for northern residents is a disaster."