Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has come under criticism from both opposition politicians and some ministers in the ruling coalition for agreeing to a ceasefire.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir (a far-right politician) last Monday called the deal being prepared a "historic mistake" that did not achieve the main goal of the war — the return of displaced Israelis to their homes in the north. Ben-Gvir is also known for having "for a long time interfered with potential cease-fire agreements between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip," the American TV channel notes.
In his address, Netanyahu tried to somehow smooth out internal discontent, assuring that Israel would "respond decisively" if Hezbollah violated the agreement and tried to rearm.
"If they try to rebuild the terrorist infrastructure near the border, we will attack. If they launch a rocket, if they dig a tunnel, if they bring a truck with missiles, we will attack," the prime minister assured fellow citizens.
Netanyahu said he agreed to the ceasefire for three "important reasons": to focus on the "Iranian threat," to give the military a break, and to isolate Hamas.
According to media reports, before the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah came into effect, the warring parties, the IDF and Hezbollah, struck each other's targets. At the same time, representatives of the Israeli and Lebanese armies, for security reasons, called on residents of the border regions on both sides to delay their return to their homes.
