Ben-Gvir Rejects Ceasefire While U.S. Reports Progress on Israel-Lebanon Security Talks

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir held a press conference at the Knesset on June 22, 2026, where he rejected any weak ceasefire agreement in Lebanon. @Jerusalem_Post reported that Ben-Gvir said the security of Israel's civilians comes first and that anyone who threatens them must pay an unbearable price. Ben-Gvir addressed U.S.

Vice President JD Vance directly during the event. He asked what Vance would do in response to threats he described as coming from Nazis. He added that years of measured responses had failed to bring security and that enemies had interpreted restraint as weakness.

The minister warned that if Lebanon allows itself to serve as a base for terrorism, Beirut would not continue operating normally. He stated that the equation must remain simple: the State of Israel must be safe, or Beirut will look like Beit Hanoun. Ben-Gvir expressed respect for President Trump but placed Israeli soldiers, fighters, and citizens ahead of any agreement.

He described the current moment as a historic opportunity to ensure security for future generations. US Vice President JD Vance said a lot of good progress had been made in talks held in Switzerland. Vance added that the United States wants both Israel's security and Lebanon's sovereignty protected.

Lebanon's Ministry of Health stated that Israeli attacks since March 2 have killed at least 3,798 people and injured 11,781 others.