"Not satisfied" with Netanyahu's Lebanon handling, Trump says Israel "should have been able to do the job faster"
Evian, June 16
Expressing sharp disapproval over the handling of military operations in Lebanon, US President Donald Trump on Tuesday heavily censured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The American leader stated he was "not satisfied" with Netanyahu, asserting that Israel "should have been able to do the job faster" while floating a proposal for Syria to assume control over the management of Hezbollah.
Trump underscored that the extended hostilities have cast a "negative light" on his diplomatic breakthrough with Iran. He further voiced strong displeasure regarding an Israeli strike on Beirut that was executed a mere two hours before the United States was scheduled to finalise the accord with Tehran.
Amid intense, near-daily Israeli bombardments across Lebanon that have resulted in thousands of casualties, the US President strongly rebuked Netanyahu over the escalating civilian death toll.
Speaking on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in France, Trump remarked, "Israel is fighting Hezbollah too long and too many people are being killed. And 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, that I can tell you."
The US President suggested that Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa would be able to oversee the containment of Hezbollah with greater efficacy.
"And I suggested to Israel to let Syria take care of Hezbollah. Because, to be honest with you, I think they'd do a better job of doing it... He's [Sharaa] very capable. And he's been very good for me. He's protected everything that I've asked for... And if Israel can't do the job without killing everyone else, he'll do the job. Syria will do the job," Trump elaborated.
The theatre of war in Lebanon has emerged as a major point of friction in Washington's diplomatic negotiations with Tehran. While Iran has repeatedly emphasised that the Lebanese situation must be integrated into any comprehensive framework, Netanyahu has consistently bypassed international appeals for a cessation of hostilities, maintaining a sustained bombing campaign.
The public reprimand highlights a widening chasm between the two leaders regarding the trajectory of the conflict. While the US administration appears focused on securing an expedited resolution, Netanyahu remains committed to sustaining the military offensive in Lebanon.
The friction intensified shortly after Trump publicised the breakthrough deal with Iran, with Netanyahu delivering a national address explicitly stating that he would not withdraw Israeli forces from occupied territories in Lebanon, Syria or the Gaza Strip.
In Lebanon, the Israeli military campaign has displaced more than 600,000 residents from their homes, enforcing a strict ban on their return. Tel Aviv has indicated it is executing a wide-scale destruction of entire towns and villages across large sectors of occupied southern Lebanon, declaring intentions to maintain an indefinite military presence in the territory.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Honestly, I'm conflicted. Israel has the right to defend itself from Hezbollah rockets, but this is way too much. We've seen similar situations in Kashmir from both sides, and violence only breeds more violence. India should use its diplomatic influence to push for immediate ceasefire and humanitarian access to affected civilians.
Interesting how Trump suddenly cares about civilian casualties when he greenlit so many drone strikes during his own term. But yes, Netanyahu has gone rogue. Suggesting Syria manage Hezbollah is laughable though - Syria has its own problems 🤷♂️
As an Indian watching this, it's frustrating to see America play both sides - brokering deals with Iran while enabling Israeli aggression. The double standards are glaring. India should stay out of this mess and focus on our own neighbourhood stability. Yemen, Gaza, Lebanon... enough bloodshed already.
Trump's statement about "not knocking down apartment houses" is exactly what we've been saying about urban warfare. Israel has some of the best military tech in the world but chooses to use indiscriminate force. This is not how you fight terrorism - you end up creating more terrorists among the displaced families. Satyamev Jayate 🙏
From a military perspective, Trump's criticism is valid. Extended conflicts without clear strategic goals lead to mission creep and unnecessary civilian casualties. But putting Syria in charge of Hezbollah? That's like asking the fox to guard the henhouse. Syria has its own shaky relationship with Hezbollah.
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.