Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said Sunday evening that he is receiving an overwhelming number of messages about an 'unimaginable reality' in Lebanon, where IDF soldiers are sent to face the enemy with their hands tied. Bennett called on those who cannot allow troops to defend themselves to 'go home.'
Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett issued a sharp condemnation Sunday evening of the political echelon's handling of IDF operations in Lebanon, following days of intensifying fire and ground engagements along the northern border. In a statement circulated on social media and reported by multiple Israeli outlets, Bennett said he is receiving an 'overwhelming' number of messages describing an 'unimaginable reality' in which soldiers are sent into combat with their hands tied. He did not provide specific examples but said the situation is unacceptable. The statement comes amid a broader public debate about rules of engagement in Lebanon, with several politicians and commentators criticizing the government for allegedly restricting troops from using full firepower. Earlier Sunday, former PM Yair Lapid made similar claims, asserting that soldiers are being barred from shooting at militants. Bennett's remarks mark the second high-profile former premier to publicly challenge the government's Lebanon policy within hours. The IDF has not formally responded to the allegations. The political echelon has not issued an official reaction as of Sunday evening.
- DevelopingBennett responds to reservists' parents letter: Government ties troops' hands in Lebanon
- DevelopingBennett says Syrian soldiers contacting him, claiming hands tied on Hezbollah
- DevelopingFormer PM Yair Lapid: Ground troops in Lebanon have their hands tied by political echelon
- StrongBennett accuses Netanyahu and Katz of lying about IDF freedom of action in Lebanon
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