Ehud Barak Faults Netanyahu on Lebanon Conflict Strategy and Praises Bennett, Eisenkot

Former prime minister Ehud Barak took aim at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his approach to the Lebanon war during a Tuesday interview on 103FM.

"This government is misleading the public, Netanyahu is just counting bodies," Barak said.

"They did not eliminate 800 terrorists or even 400 - those figures are fabrications. Funerals took place while Netanyahu asserted that Hezbollah was being dealt a decisive defeat and set back decades. It is sad and misleading," he added.

The former premier discussed several pressing topics in Israeli politics, with special focus on Hezbollah amid instructions from the White House and President Donald Trump.

Barak noted, "The public is misled into believing that without the limits imposed by this unusual Trump we could finally crush Hezbollah. No such option exists."

Questions Over Limited Impact of IDF Operations in Lebanon

Barak argued that Hezbollah cannot be eliminated without a full occupation of Lebanon, which he views as unrealistic. He said Israel is missing its current chance there. "We are leveling villages and indicating a plan to remain indefinitely."

"This action is thought to weaken Hezbollah, yet the reverse occurs as the group gains a stronger legitimate position inside Lebanon," he said.

Iran and Hezbollah Form Regional Alliance, Barak Warns

Barak pointed out that Iran and Hezbollah enjoy support from a powerful bloc that includes Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia, allied with Qatar and applying stronger pressure on Trump than Israel does.

"This government has led the country into its worst diplomatic and security crisis ever while deceiving the public as the IDF reaches its breaking point," he continued.

On ground actions in Lebanon, Barak observed: "There is serious doubt that entry serves any real purpose."

"The key issue with the Lebanon withdrawal is not why it occurred in 2000 but why it was not done fifteen years sooner. Hezbollah grew precisely because of the prolonged stay inside Lebanon," he added.

Barak Calls Bennett and Eisenkot Far Stronger Options Than Netanyahu

Barak ended by naming the figures he sees as ready to succeed Netanyahu in the next elections, naming Naftali Bennett and Gadi Eisenkot as those capable of taking over the prime minister post.

"This government fails to grasp that wars must conclude; conflict serves only as a tool for a diplomatic and political settlement. That is why Bennett or Eisenkot would both be far better than Netanyahu," he stated.