Lebanon maritime demarcation deal was a defeat: Netanyahu
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In a press conference speech, Netanyahu claimed that Lapid's maritime demarcation agreement incentivised enemies to increase attacks.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks to the media during a press conference, in "Tel Aviv", Monday, April 10, 2023 (AP)
Occupation Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the maritime demarcation deal with Lebanon as "an agreement of surrender" such that it "increased the number of terrorist attacks against Israel".
"The previous government signed the gas agreement with Hezbollah without receiving anything in return, [and now] Israel is under attack," Netanyahu said in a press conference.
He then promised that the government he heads "will restore calm and security, and improve deterrence".
In regards to Syria, he claimed that the former airstrikes were fired against "Iranian targets" and warned the Syrian government that they "will pay a heavy price if the rocket fire attack is repeated."
Read more: 'Israel' juggles internal divisions and external threats
In regards to Lebanon, he said "Israel will not allow Hamas to establish infrastructure in Lebanon", underlining that the attack on Gaza is a message to Hamas and a sample of the price they will pay [for firing rockets].
"We are operating on all fronts. In Syria, we're acting against Iranian targets. In Lebanon, we attacked Hezbollah and Iranian infrastructure and operated in other ways that I can't expand on."
"In Gaza, Hamas knows it will pay a heavy price for the rocket fire. In the West Bank, we are executing an expanded arrest campaign, and we have foiled many terror attacks. I don't want to fool you, there are still many alerts. But I promise we will get to all heinous terrorists," he stated.
Netanyahu said that he doesn't want a large-scale war but claimed that if "Israel" was to go to war, its enemies will be hit with the full force of the security and military establishment.
Nationally, Netanyahu announced that Gallant will be reinstated in his position retracting his former decision of dismissal.
"Security Minister Yoav Gallant will remain in his position, and we will work together for the sake of Israel's security," he said.
Read more: Netanyahu postpones decision to sack Gallant over security concerns
Gallant's suspension was a very contentious issue for the United States, dubbed "the straw that broke the camel's back" by Israeli media.
Back in mid-March, Israeli occupation Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sacked Security Minister Yoav Gallant to avoid divisions within the cabinet over the judicial reform plan.
This followed calls by the Israeli Police Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir called on Netanyahu to fire the Security Minister.
