Evian, France, June 16 (ANI): U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over Israel’s continued strikes on Lebanon, particularly recent attacks on Beirut, saying that Netanyahu should be “more responsible” with respect to Lebanon and suggesting that Syria could better handle the issue of Hezbollah.
Speaking during a bilateral meeting with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Evian, Trump criticized Israel’s military campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon, saying too many people had been killed in the conflict.
“Israel’s fighting Hezbollah too long. And too many people are being killed. And you don’t have to knock down an apartment house every time you’re looking for somebody because there are a lot of people in those apartment houses and they’re not all Hezbollah. That I can tell you,” Trump said.
He further suggested that Syria should take the lead in dealing with Hezbollah, noting that Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa would address the issue if Israel “can’t do the job without killing everyone.”
“He’ll do the job. Syria will do the job,” Trump said.
Responding to a question about whether he was frustrated with Netanyahu, Trump denied any tensions and said the two leaders continued to maintain a strong relationship.
“No. We had a great relationship. We’re talking about some end details. I didn’t like that he did an attack; you know, there was a very minor little thing with some drones that were released and he ended up doing a very… I saw that attack. I saw where that bomb went,” Trump said.
Trump also underscored U.S. support for Israel, asserting that Washington had played a crucial role in ensuring the country’s security.
“Without us, without the United States, there would be no Israel. Without me, there would be no Israel because no other president was willing to do what I did. I’ve had a great relationship with Bibi. But now Bibi has to be more responsible with respect to Lebanon,” he added.
Trump’s criticism of Netanyahu came after Israeli strikes on Lebanon’s capital, Beirut, on Sunday, just hours before the United States and Iran were expected to sign a peace agreement aimed at achieving a broader resolution to the West Asia conflict.
Following the attacks, Trump wrote on Truth Social that the strikes “should not have happened,” warning that the escalation could have jeopardized the peace agreement with Iran.
On Sunday, Trump said a deal with Iran was “complete” and that the strategic waterway would reopen after the signing of the agreement on Friday.
He further stated that the “great deal” was aimed at bringing “peace and security” to the entire region.
“This Great Deal will bring Peace and Security to the whole Region. Many presidents have tried to make Peace with Iran, and all have failed before me. The Leaders of the Region have, for the first time, found a President who can help them achieve real Peace. With the opening of the Strait upon the signing of the Deal on Friday, for purposes of mine removal, oil will flow on both ends again for the Region, and the World!” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
However, following Trump’s announcement, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir wrote on X that Israel is not bound by the Trump agreement and maintains its absolute sovereignty.
“Trump’s agreement does not bind us. Israel is not subject to the United States, and we are an independent and sovereign nation,” the post read.
Iran has repeatedly maintained that Lebanon must be included in the final agreement with the United States, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei asserting that it is an “integral part” of the broader regional arrangement. (ANI)
About The Author
