Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir responded to U.S. pressure, stating that a sovereign country is not a contractor of any superpower and is not bound by agreements that limit its ability to defend its people. He argued that in the face of existential threats, Israel must act based on its own conscience and interests, not foreign pressure. Ben-Gvir said that just as individuals must take any necessary steps to protect their homes, the Israeli government must do whatever is essential to safeguard its citizens.