Experts say coalition backing reflects broad support for offensive, putting PM in strongest position politically since 7 October

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Benjamin Netanyahu’s rightwing and far-right coalition allies have voiced strong support for the country launching ground operations in southern Lebanon, shoring up a key constituency of his government as he seeks to trumpet his recent successes against Iran-backed Hezbollah.

“The decisions we made in the last few days are important, correct and necessary decisions,” wrote Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel’s national security minister and a key far-right member of Netanyahu’s cabinet.