According to the Jerusalem post, as Washington prepared for what could become a landmark agreement with Iran, President Donald Trump publicly criticized Israel’s latest military actions in Lebanon, warning that further strikes could jeopardize a fragile diplomatic opening.
Speaking on Sunday, Trump sharply condemned Israeli airstrikes in Beirut carried out earlier in the day, arguing that the operation came at a particularly sensitive moment.
“There should be no more attacks by Israel anywhere in Lebanon,” Trump said, “but there should also be no more attacks by any other party, including Hezbollah, against Israel.”
The comments reflected growing frustration inside the White House as negotiators moved toward a US-Iran ceasefire deal that was expected to be signed later Sunday. Trump suggested that the military exchange risked undermining months of diplomatic efforts.
“This morning’s attacks should not have happened, particularly on a special day when we are so close to a Peace Deal with Iran,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.
While reaffirming Israel’s right to self-defense, the president questioned the necessity of the operation, describing the threat that prompted it as “very small and meaningless.”
He ended his message with a direct appeal for restraint: “This could be the beginning of a long and beautiful peace – Let’s not blow it!”
Trump’s criticism became even more pointed during remarks to Israel’s Channel 12, where he openly expressed anger toward Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the decision to strike Beirut.
“Bibi has no f***ing discretion,” he told the news outlet. “Why did [he] do this attack?”
According to Trump, he had already communicated his concerns directly to the Israeli leader.
“Hezbollah fired and hit the middle of nowhere,” Trump went on to say. “Nobody was hurt. And then he has to f***ing attack, and in Beirut. That made me very angry.”
Israel defended the operation, saying the strikes targeted Hezbollah infrastructure in Beirut’s Dahiyeh district after rockets were fired toward Israeli territory. In a joint statement, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz said, “Israel will not tolerate fire directed at its territory.”
The IDF said the strike targeted a Hezbollah command center used to “advance terrorist attacks against the citizens of the State of Israel and IDF soldiers operating in southern Lebanon.”
The disagreement highlights a growing tension between military deterrence and diplomatic efforts, as regional leaders weigh whether the current moment leads toward de-escalation or another cycle of confrontation.
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