WASHINGTON, June 17 — US President Donald Trump on Tuesday delivered a rare public criticism of Israel’s military operations in Lebanon against Hezbollah, saying it was unnecessary to destroy entire residential buildings in the pursuit of militants.
WASHINGTON, June 17 — US President Donald Trump on Tuesday delivered a rare public criticism of Israel’s military operations in Lebanon against Hezbollah, saying it was unnecessary to destroy entire residential buildings in the pursuit of militants.
Trump, who has recently voiced concern over Israeli strikes in Beirut that he said could jeopardise his peace efforts with Iran, said Israel had been in conflict with Hezbollah, the Iran-backed Lebanese group, for “too long.”
“Too many people have been killed. 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,” he said at the G7 summit in France.
His remarks come amid growing tensions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a long-time ally, although their relationship has seen periodic strains. In recent weeks, Israeli officials have reportedly expressed frustration over Trump’s Iran agreement, while Trump has grown more critical of Israeli strikes in Beirut, which he said risked undermining the deal.
Trump reiterated that he maintains a “great relationship” with Netanyahu, but added that the Israeli leader should be “more responsible” in handling Lebanon. He also said, “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.”
The two leaders have repeatedly disagreed over Israel’s approach to Hezbollah in Lebanon, where easing hostilities remains a key Iranian demand. Such public criticism from US presidents of Israeli military tactics is uncommon.
Following his remarks, the White House’s official social media account shared a clip of his comments. A White House spokesperson reaffirmed that Trump maintains strong ties with Netanyahu and described the Israel Defense Forces as “incredible partners,” adding that the United States and Israel’s actions have contributed to efforts to counter Iran’s nuclear ambitions.
The spokesperson did not explain why the remarks were posted, and there is no indication that Trump’s comments will lead to policy changes affecting Israeli military conduct.
Israel has faced mounting international criticism over its military campaigns, including in Gaza, where the health ministry reports tens of thousands of deaths, mostly civilians. Israel denies targeting civilians and accuses militant groups of using human shields.
The Israeli embassy in Washington did not comment. — Reuters
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