Trump says Netanyahu "has to be more responsible" with Lebanon, recent Israeli attack there was "too much"
Key Points:
- President Trump expressed a "great relationship" with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu but criticized last weekend's Israeli strikes in Lebanon as "vicious" and "too much," urging more responsibility regarding Lebanon.
- The comments came amid a G7 summit in France and ongoing efforts to formalize a ceasefire agreement between the U.S. and Iran, which Israel's strikes against Hezbollah in Beirut threatened to complicate.
- Trump emphasized that the U.S. played a crucial role in supporting Israel and suggested Syria might be better suited to handle Hezbollah, criticizing Israel's aggressive tactics that harm civilians.
- The president's frustration with Netanyahu was evident, with reports indicating Trump questioned Netanyahu's actions sharply after the strikes, highlighting tensions despite their cooperation.
- Israeli officials stated troops would remain in Lebanon regardless of the U.S.-Iran deal, while Iran warned that any Israeli military presence there would violate the ceasefire agreement.