Trump tells Netanyahu ‘be responsible with Lebanon, let Syria handle Hezbollah’ at G7
Trump Tells Netanyahu to 'Be Responsible with Lebanon, Let Syria Handle Hezbollah' at G7
US President Criticizes Israeli Approach During Summit Discussions
Trump tells Netanyahu be responsible - At the ongoing G7 summit in Évian, France, US President Donald Trump made a pointed remark to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urging him to exercise greater responsibility in dealing with Lebanon and shift focus to Syria for managing Hezbollah. The exchange occurred during a bilateral meeting with Qatar’s Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, who has played a key role in facilitating US-Iran negotiations toward a framework deal to end the war in the region. Trump’s comments highlighted his concern over the escalating tensions between Israel and Lebanon, emphasizing the need for a more measured response to Hezbollah’s activities.
Earlier in the week, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) launched an airstrike on a building in Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, resulting in the deaths of three individuals and injuries to over a dozen others. According to Israeli officials, the attack targeted a command center linked to Hezbollah, a Lebanese militant group with strong ties to Iran. The operation has sparked international debate, with Trump criticizing the scale of the strike and its potential impact on regional stability. “Israel has been fighting Hezbollah for too long, and too many people are being killed,” he stated, underscoring his belief that the current approach is unsustainable.
“Is it necessary to destroy an entire apartment building each time you’re looking for someone? There are many people living there, and not all of them are Hezbollah,” Trump remarked, addressing the issue of collateral damage during the attack. He argued that Lebanon, a country already bearing the brunt of the conflict, has been unfairly targeted, leaving it unable to defend itself effectively.
Trump’s remarks came as the US prepared to unveil a proposed framework for a peace deal with Iran. The deal aims to address the ongoing war in the region, with Syria’s role being a central point of discussion. The president suggested that Syria’s leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, is “very capable” of handling Hezbollah, describing him as “very good for me.” Trump’s comments implied that Syria could provide a more stable and less destructive alternative to Israel’s military operations.
During the summit, Trump also clarified his stance on Netanyahu’s leadership. While he acknowledged the prime minister’s strong relationship with the US, he expressed frustration over the recent strike. “I didn’t like that he carried out an attack based on minor drones... it was vicious. That was too much,” Trump said, pointing out the disproportionate nature of the operation. He added that Netanyahu must now “be more responsible with respect to Lebanon,” signaling a shift in the administration’s approach to the conflict.
The IDF’s attack on Beirut marked a significant escalation in the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. The strike was part of a broader campaign to disrupt Hezbollah’s operations, which have been a key challenge for Israel in its efforts to secure the region. Trump’s critique of the operation suggests he views the Israeli response as overly aggressive, potentially undermining diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation. This comes at a critical time, as the US seeks to broker a deal that could bring lasting peace to the Middle East.
Hezbollah, a powerful militant group based in Lebanon, has been a central figure in the region’s conflicts for years. Its alliance with Iran has made it a target for Israel, which has accused the group of supporting attacks on Israeli territory. Trump acknowledged Hezbollah’s continued threat but questioned whether Israel’s current strategy is the most effective. “They have been treated the worst, and they can’t defend themselves,” he noted, highlighting Lebanon’s vulnerability in the face of ongoing hostilities.
The president’s remarks at the G7 summit reflect a growing tension between the US and Israel over the handling of the Lebanon conflict. While the US has historically supported Israel’s military actions, Trump’s recent statements suggest a more cautious approach, particularly as the framework deal with Iran is set to be announced. This deal is expected to include provisions for Syria’s involvement, positioning the country as a key player in resolving the crisis. Trump’s suggestion that Syria could take over Hezbollah’s management indicates a strategic realignment in the region’s conflict dynamics.
Earlier reports from Axios indicated that Trump had already criticized Netanyahu following the Beirut strike, calling the prime minister’s actions “lacking judgment.” The president’s frustration appears to stem from his belief that the operation could have been carried out with greater precision, avoiding unnecessary casualties. By framing Syria as a more suitable partner for dealing with Hezbollah, Trump is not only addressing the immediate fallout of the strike but also signaling a broader shift in how the US views the roles of different regional actors in the conflict.
As the G7 summit continues, the discussion around Lebanon and Hezbollah serves as a microcosm of the larger geopolitical challenges at play. Trump’s comments, while direct, underscore the importance of balancing military action with diplomatic considerations. With the framework deal on the horizon, the US is seeking to align its allies with a strategy that prioritizes stability and reduces the risk of further escalation. This approach may reshape the future of the conflict, placing greater emphasis on Syria’s capabilities and Lebanon’s plight.
Netanyahu’s response to Trump’s critique remains unclear, but the pressure on him to adopt a more restrained approach is evident. The prime minister has long been a strong advocate for aggressive military actions against Hezbollah, a stance that has drawn both support and criticism from international allies. Trump’s remarks, however, highlight a potential pivot in US policy, with the hope that Syria’s involvement could lead to a more sustainable resolution of the crisis. As the summit progresses, the interplay between these regional powers will be crucial in determining the outcome of the peace negotiations.
Overall, Trump’s comments at the G7 summit reflect a nuanced perspective on the Middle East conflict, blending criticism of Israel’s tactics with an endorsement of Syria’s role. The emphasis on responsibility and precision in military operations aligns with the US’s broader goals of stabilizing the region. While the immediate impact of the Beirut strike is still being assessed, the long-term implications of Trump’s remarks may influence the trajectory of the peace deal and the future of Hezbollah’s presence in Lebanon.