Gantz says Israeli strikes on Hezbollah ‘too little, too late’

National Unity chair Benny Gantz says Israel’s preemptive strike on Hezbollah in Lebanon this morning was “too little, too late,” adding that the government should have worked to ensure northern residents could return to their homes by September 1, the start of the academic year.

During a visit to northern communities, Gantz says in a video statement Israel must deliver “results” instead of carrying out mirror responses to Hezbollah attacks — it must switch “from response to initiative.”

“We must keep up the advantage of the initiative that was taken and increase the political and military pressure. To push Hezbollah away, to return northern residents to their homes safely,” Gantz says.

“It is forbidden to continue deserting the north. I call on members of the government to wake up. Come live here in the north and feel the pain of the residents, the reality on the ground that must change,” he says.