Trump-Netanyahu Rift Widens Over Lebanon Strikes
U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly had a heated phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over Israel’s military escalation in Lebanon, amid growing concern in Washington that the conflict could weaken wider regional diplomacy and fuel international anger against Israel.
Trump Criticises Netanyahu Over Lebanon Strikes
According to reports, Trump strongly objected to the scale of Israeli military action in Lebanon and warned Netanyahu that the campaign was damaging Israel’s global standing. The reported exchange came as Israeli strikes intensified following Hezbollah attacks on northern Israel.
Trump is said to have pushed Netanyahu to avoid broader escalation, especially around Beirut, while acknowledging Israel’s right to respond to security threats.
Israel-Hezbollah Conflict Raises US Concerns
The latest tension comes as the United States tries to prevent the Israel-Hezbollah conflict from widening further. Washington is also working to protect fragile diplomatic efforts in the region, including negotiations connected to Iran and wider ceasefire discussions.
Trump reportedly announced that Israel and Hezbollah had agreed to stop fighting, but conflicting statements and continued attacks raised doubts over whether any truce would hold.
US-Israel Relations Face Fresh Strain
The reported clash highlights a rare public strain between Trump and Netanyahu, two leaders who have often projected close political alignment. Israeli officials have also criticised any move to halt or delay strikes, arguing that Israel must maintain military pressure on Hezbollah.
For now, the situation remains uncertain, with the U.S. seeking de-escalation and Israel insisting that its operations are necessary to counter Hezbollah threats from Lebanon.
