**Trump Urges Netanyahu to Exercise Restraint in Lebanon During G7 Summit**
**Évian, France** – In a noteworthy exchange during the G7 summit, U.S. President Donald Trump called on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to adopt a more responsible approach towards Lebanon, particularly regarding the ongoing conflict with Hezbollah. Trump's comments, made in the presence of Qatar’s Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, emphasized the need for Israel to allow Syria to take the lead in dealing with the militant group.
The remarks came in the wake of a recent Israeli airstrike in Beirut that resulted in multiple casualties, including three fatalities. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) stated that the operation targeted a Hezbollah command center. However, the strike has drawn criticism for its scale and impact on civilians, with Trump suggesting that such actions could threaten regional stability.
“Hezbollah remains a problem for the region,” Trump acknowledged, but he questioned the effectiveness of Netanyahu's military strategies. “Israel has been fighting Hezbollah for too long, and too many people are being killed,” he stated, highlighting the collateral damage caused by military operations in densely populated areas. “You don’t have to knock down an entire apartment building every time you’re looking for somebody,” he added, noting the presence of innocent civilians in these locations.
During the meeting, Trump expressed his belief that Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa could play a significant role in addressing the Hezbollah issue. He described al-Sharaa as “very capable” and suggested that if Israel struggles to conduct operations without resulting in civilian casualties, Syria could take on that responsibility. “He will do the job,” Trump stated, indicating a shift in U.S. expectations regarding Israel's military engagements.
When pressed about his feelings towards Netanyahu's recent actions, Trump maintained that he did not harbor frustration, citing a strong relationship with the Israeli leader. However, he did express discontent regarding the airstrike, referring to it as “vicious” and excessive. “Now Bibi has to be more responsible with respect to Lebanon,” he remarked, underscoring the need for a more measured approach.
The backdrop of these discussions is the ongoing U.S.-Iran negotiations, with Qatar playing a mediating role in efforts to establish a framework deal aimed at ending the war with Tehran. As the U.S. prepares to announce this deal, Trump's comments reflect a broader concern about the implications of military actions in the region and their potential to complicate diplomatic efforts.
Earlier reports indicated that Trump had criticized Netanyahu's judgment following the Beirut strike, suggesting that the Israeli leader had acted recklessly. This sentiment seems to resonate with Trump's call for a more restrained Israeli approach, particularly in light of the humanitarian consequences of military operations.
As the G7 summit continues, the discussions surrounding Israel, Lebanon, and Hezbollah are likely to remain a focal point, particularly given the complexities of Middle Eastern geopolitics and the ongoing U.S. efforts to stabilize the region.