Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir ignited a wave of criticism on Friday after posting that “all of Lebanon must burn” following the deaths of four Israeli soldiers killed by Hezbollah. His comments triggered rebukes even from some pro-Israel v
Four Israeli soldiers were killed by Hezbollah in Lebanon, and on Friday, the day after the deaths, Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir responded with words that instantly set off a political firestorm.
On social media, Ben Gvir wrote: “For every tear of an Israeli mother, a thousand Lebanese mothers must weep. All of Lebanon must burn!” He added that “with all due respect to the Americans. Israel must make it clear to the entire world that the blood of our sons and the security of our citizens are not forfeit.” His post went further. declaring: “All of Lebanon must burn. Our supreme duty is to protect the citizens of Israel and the soldiers of the IDF. and this commitment takes precedence over every other consideration.”.
Ben Gvir concluded that “in the Middle East. you don’t win with measured responses and restraint. ” insisting that Israel must instead “obliterate” its enemy to end terrorism. His language is the latest flashpoint from a figure who has long drawn controversy inside Israel and abroad for ardently anti-Arab rhetoric that often carries violent overtones.
The political impact of the post was immediate. Ben Gvir’s Jewish Power party holds six seats in the current Israeli Knesset. and it has been a key bloc holding together Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government since late 2022. Within Israel’s own supporter base, his message drew swift rebukes across social media, including from prominent pro-Israel voices.
Eitan Fischberger, a writer and prominent pro-Israel advocate, replied: “Disgusting tweet. Shame on you.” Corey Walker. the Washington correspondent for the Algemeiner Journal. said: “Everyday that Netanyahu refuses to reprimand him or remove him from government is another day that he prioritizes his personal political ambitions over his own country.” Republican NYC Councilwoman Inna Verniko posted: “When they slander us for being ‘genocidal. ’ you are who they can point their finger to and be validated.”.
Outside Israel’s political orbit, condemnation broadened. CNN’s Jake Tapper wrote that Ben Gvir is “an anti-Arab racist zealot” and added: “Israeli National Security Minister Ben Gvir, an anti-Arab racist zealot, says ‘all of Lebanon must burn.’ That’s almost 6 million people. Hideous.”
Other replies reflected a widening argument over who should bear political and moral responsibility for rhetoric during wartime. Piers Morgan said: “How can anyone still support this Israeli govt when psychopathic monsters like Ben Gvir are ministers in it. advocating genocide in Lebanon?. Disgusting.” Glenn Greenwald wrote that Israel loyalists had picked “a bad day” to feign outrage over Tucker Carlson’s claims. then attached Ben-Gvir’s post. saying it was “text that makes Mein Kampf look bashful.”.
In a separate thread, some critics framed the uproar as part of broader U.S.-Israel politics. Ian Bremmer wrote: “netanyahu losing his election because of trump’s iran deal would be the biggest favor the united states could do for israel.” Meanwhile. Brianna Wu. in a message attacking anti-Israel rhetoric. said: “You’re a psychopath. If Free Palestine could create Israeli villains to drive their propaganda they would create you.” Wu added: “The best thing Jews could do to fight antisemitism would be banishing you to some third world swamp.”.
The backlash landed at a moment when Israel and Hezbollah were already moving toward an accommodation after Ben Gvir’s tweet. Israel and Hezbollah entered into a ceasefire soon after the post, amid pressure from President Donald Trump, who has publicly criticized Netanyahu’s approach to Lebanon.
Trump has ripped Netanyahu for lacking “f*cking judgment” by demolishing city blocks in Beirut in response to Hezbollah’s constant rocket fire on Israeli civilians in the north of the country.
Through all the competing reactions. one fact remained clear: Ben Gvir’s blunt call for mass retaliation struck a raw nerve across the political spectrum—at home in Israel. among U.S. conservatives and liberal commentators, and within pro-Israel circles—just as a ceasefire was being pressed into place.
Itamar Ben Gvir all of Lebanon must burn Hezbollah Israeli soldiers ceasefire Benjamin Netanyahu Jewish Power IDF Donald Trump Beirut social media backlash Jake Tapper Inna Verniko Algemeiner Journal Eitan Fischberger
Bro really said that? “All of Lebanon must burn” is wild.
I don’t even get how someone can say that and then be like “respect to the Americans” like… what? All this does is make more people hate Israel. Feels like fuel for the fire.
So wait, Hezbollah killed 4 soldiers and then he’s basically calling for burning Lebanon? That’s not strategy, that’s just revenge. Also isn’t “obligate” something in the military? idk I’m probably mixing it up but either way this sounds like going too far.
Honestly I’m tired of politicians posturing online and then acting shocked people get mad. But also, I feel like everyone is acting like Israel’s just innocent and doesn’t retaliate ever—like c’mon. I heard somewhere this guy always wants escalation, and now it’s here. If Americans are “due respect” then why not say something measured? seems like he just wants headlines and more war.