On June 1, Axios reported, citing two U.S. officials and a source familiar with the conversation, that during a call with Netanyahu, Trump expressed serious concerns about Israel's military actions in Lebanon. He warned that "if Israel proceeds with an attack on Beirut, it will become more isolated in the international community."
The context of the call revolves around Israel's expanding military operations in southern Lebanon, justified as a response to attacks from Hezbollah. Israel has indicated it may target Hezbollah positions within Beirut. In response, Iran has warned that it could halt negotiations with the U.S. if Israel continues its offensive in Lebanon.
While Trump acknowledged Israel's right to defend itself, he reportedly viewed the recent military response as excessive. According to Axios, Trump expressed concern over civilian casualties in Lebanon, particularly regarding the destruction of buildings to eliminate a Hezbollah commander.
During the call, Trump also referenced Netanyahu's ongoing corruption trial, reportedly stating, "You'd be in prison without me," applying pressure on the Israeli leader. This comment is interpreted as a nod to the support Trump has provided to Netanyahu during the trial.
Following the conversation, Israel is said to have put its plans to strike Beirut on hold. An Israeli official informed Axios that Israel is no longer planning attacks on Hezbollah targets within Beirut.
However, Netanyahu publicly maintained his stance, stating in a release after the call that he communicated to Trump that if Hezbollah does not cease its attacks on Israel, he would target positions in Beirut. He also affirmed that operations in southern Lebanon would continue.
U.S. officials provided a different perspective, with one stating that Trump exerted significant pressure on Netanyahu, who appeared to acquiesce to some extent. Axios characterized this call as one of the most contentious exchanges between Trump and Netanyahu since Trump's return to office.
This conversation highlights the direct connection between the Lebanon front and U.S. negotiations with Iran. Axios reported that the memorandum being discussed between the U.S. and Iran includes provisions for halting combat in Lebanon. Trump's strong pressure on Netanyahu is seen as an effort to prevent the escalation in Lebanon from undermining the negotiations with Iran.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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