Trump doubts Netanyahu’s tactics, describes Beirut strike as excessive, and identifies Syria’s President as the most “effective” force against Hezbollah.
US President Donald Trump stated that Benjamin Netanyahu should act “responsibly regarding Lebanon” and leave the handling of Hezbollah to Syria, according to comments he made to journalists at the G7 summit.
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His statements occurred during a bilateral discussion with Qatar’s Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who acts as a mediator in the US-Iran negotiations seeking a framework agreement to conclude the conflict.
Trump acknowledged Hezbollah as an ongoing challenge for the region but implied that Israel’s recent actions might have been excessive and could threaten stability in the Middle East.
On Sunday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) targeted a building in Beirut, the Lebanese capital, injuring over a dozen individuals and causing three fatalities. Israel claimed the strike hit a Hezbollah command post.
This operation coincided with the US preparing to announce a framework deal aimed at ending the war with Tehran. While Trump recognized Hezbollah’s threat, he questioned Netanyahu’s approach.
“Israel has been in conflict with Hezbollah for too long, leading to too many casualties,” he told reporters in Évian, France, where the G7 meetings are taking place.
“It is not necessary to demolish entire apartment buildings whenever searching for someone, as many residents live there who are unrelated to Hezbollah.”
Trump suggested that Syria’s President Ahmed al-Sharaa is “very capable” of managing Hezbollah, describing him as “very favorable” from his perspective. He added that if Israel cannot conduct operations “without killing innocent people,” then “he (al-Sharaa) will take care of it.”
When asked if Netanyahu’s actions caused frustration, Trump replied negatively.
“We maintain a strong relationship. I disapproved of the attack launched due to minor drone incursions on Lebanon… it was harsh. That crossed the line,” he added.
“Now Bibi must exercise greater responsibility concerning Lebanon.”
Trump noted that among all nations impacted by the conflict, Lebanon “has suffered the most and lacks adequate means of self-defense.”
Earlier this week, Axios reported that Trump criticized Netanyahu following the Beirut strike, stating that he (Netanyahu) demonstrated “no fu*ing judgment.”