WASHINGTON, D.C. — President Donald Trump is facing growing criticism from some Israeli conservatives after reportedly pressuring Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to scale back military operations in Lebanon amid ongoing regional tensions.
According to reports from both U.S. and Israeli media outlets, Trump urged Netanyahu during a phone call Monday to avoid a major military operation in Beirut. Axios reported that the conversation became heated, with Trump allegedly expressing frustration over Israeli actions that threatened to complicate ongoing diplomatic efforts involving Iran and Lebanon.
Following the call, Trump announced on Truth Social that Netanyahu had agreed not to proceed with a major strike on Beirut. Trump also claimed that representatives connected to Hezbollah had agreed to halt attacks on Israel if Israeli forces exercised restraint.
The reported intervention triggered backlash from members of Israel’s political right. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir publicly urged Netanyahu to reject Trump’s demands and continue military operations against Hezbollah. Ben-Gvir argued that Israel should take advantage of the current situation to further weaken the Iran-backed militant group, which many Israelis view as a major security threat.
Netanyahu later clarified that Israeli operations in southern Lebanon would continue and warned that Israel reserved the right to strike targets in Beirut if Hezbollah attacks persisted. Fighting between Israel and Hezbollah has continued despite a ceasefire agreement reached last month.
The dispute comes as Iran has suspended indirect talks with the United States, arguing that Israeli military operations in Lebanon violate broader ceasefire understandings.
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