Many Israelis watched in disbelief as Trump declared his ultimatum while simultaneously stating that Netanyahu was free to act as he saw fit. Almost immediately, Israelis demanded that Netanyahu follow through exactly as Trump had threatened.  

Netanyahu responded, affirming that the “gates would indeed be opened,” but he did not consider noon on Shabbat to be the appropriate moment. Instead, the government ordered the mobilization of IDF reserve forces and deployed them to the Gaza border.  

The Israeli Public’s Response  

How did Israelis react?  The Left accused Netanyahu of being a liar. The Right called him a coward. Many claimed he had squandered a historic opportunity.  

Netanyahu, however, insisted that he and Trump—along with their respective administrations—were fully coordinated.  

At NEWSRAEL, we believe these Israeli critics are wrong. Here’s why:  

Netanyahu’s Track Record of Action  

After the October 7 attacks, Israelis demanded a harsh military response. The Israeli Air Force (IAF) launched relentless airstrikes on Gaza, but history had shown that bombing alone would not eliminate Hamas—it had only allowed the terror group to return stronger in the past.  

Recognizing this, Netanyahu’s government made an unprecedented decision: 300,000 reserve soldiers were mobilized, trained, and stationed in the south. The training period lasted a slow and frustrating three weeks, during which Netanyahu reassured the public that IDF ground forces would enter Gaza and dismantle Hamas.  

Once again, critics on both the Left and Right accused him of either lying or cowardice.  

However, when military leadership determined the time was right, the full-scale war against Hamas began.  

The Northern Front with Hezbollah  

Meanwhile, the situation in the north escalated. Hezbollah launched rockets and missiles, prompting Israel to evacuate civilians and bolster border defenses with reserve troops. Iron Dome intercepted many of the incoming attacks, and the IDF continued targeted responses.  

Netanyahu and his government repeatedly assured the public that Hezbollah’s time would come.  

But once again, Israelis were impatient. They demanded an immediate invasion of Lebanon, even as IDF forces were fully engaged in Gaza.  

Again, Netanyahu was accused of dishonesty and weakness.  

The Results Speak for Themselves  

Then came the moment of reckoning:  

- The IDF invaded Lebanon.  
- Beirut was bombed.  
- Operation "Pager" was launched.  
- Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated in Tehran.  
- Countless Hezbollah military commanders were eliminated.  
- Finally, Hassan Nasrallah and many of his top leaders were assassinated.  

Trust in Netanyahu's Leadership  

Netanyahu has proven time and again that he is neither a liar nor a coward. When he says that the "Gates of Hell" will be opened, he should be given the credit he deserves. His government has demonstrated that it acts decisively—at the right time, with the right strategy.  

Patience and strategic planning win wars, not reckless demands for immediate action.