US President Donald Trump has criticised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over Israel’s recent military actions in Lebanon, arguing that they undermine efforts to maintain a regional ceasefire and de-escalate tensions in the Middle East.
Speaking at the G7 summit in Évian-les-Bains, France, on Tuesday, Trump said Israel’s continued military campaign against Hezbollah has lasted too long and has resulted in significant civilian casualties.
His remarks come amid growing friction between Washington and Tel Aviv following a reported agreement between the United States and Iran to end hostilities across the region, including in Lebanon, and reopen the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
Despite the agreement, Netanyahu said on Monday that Israeli forces would remain in Lebanon.
“I want to make clear: We will remain in the security zones as long as required in order to defend our country,” Netanyahu said, adding that “the struggle has not ended.”
The comments followed an Israeli airstrike in a suburb of Beirut carried out shortly after Trump announced the deal with Iran.
Trump expressed frustration with Netanyahu’s approach, saying the Israeli leader had complicated efforts to stabilise the region.
“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,” Trump said.
He added that he had suggested Israel allow Syria to take a larger role in confronting Hezbollah.
“To be honest with you, I think they’re doing a better job of doing it,” he said.
Trump also emphasised the role of the United States in supporting Israel, stating that the country’s security relies heavily on American backing.
“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,” Trump said.
While noting that he has maintained a strong relationship with Netanyahu, Trump said the Israeli leader must exercise greater restraint regarding Lebanon.
“I’ve had a great relationship with Bibi, but now Bibi has to be more responsible with respect to Lebanon,” he said.
Trump further argued that Israel should have achieved its military objectives more quickly, warning that the prolonged conflict risks overshadowing recent diplomatic efforts with Iran and broader attempts to secure regional stability.
