Israeli officials on Sunday called President Donald Trump’s demand for Israel to halt strikes on Lebanon a “resounding slap in the face” as Israel’s strikes on Beirut targeting Hezbollah threatened to throw a wrench into Trump’s plan for a peace agreement by the end of the day.
Trump had made clear his intention to have a deal to end the war in Iran signed by Sunday’s end, but Israel launched strikes on a Hezbollah command center in Beirut, which led Iran to question the U.S. commitment to a peace deal. Trump then condemned Israeli strikes on Lebanon, saying they were unwarranted because the initial Hezbollah strikes did not kill or injure any Israelis.
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An Israeli official told Channel 12 news that Trump’s statements on Sunday do not reflect that of a friend to the Jewish state.
“Trump’s Truth Social post is a resounding slap in the face,” the official said. “The restrictions have gone up a level, the expectation that Israel will not strike anywhere in Lebanon does not align with the narrative of a strategic ally.”
Trump spoke last week with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about a nearing agreement with Iran, and Netanyahu emphasized that Iran must be barred from developing a nuclear weapon. Trump has said restrictions that keep Iran from developing and purchasing a nuclear weapon are included in the proposed deal.
Iran has said that one of its requirements for peace is that Israel cease attacks on Hezbollah proxies located in Lebanon, which has led to Israeli opposition to any U.S.-Iran deal.
“As far as we are concerned, Iran is Trump’s issue and he has the right to pursue an agreement, but Lebanon is ours, we must not agree to the Iranian equation, even at the cost of a severe confrontation with the U.S.,” an Israeli Cabinet official told Channel 12.
TRUMP SCOLDS NETANYAHU FOR HAVING ‘NO F***ING JUDGMENT’ AFTER BEIRUT STRIKE
Trump offered Iran money to refrain from responding to Israel’s attack on Beirut, but Tehran rejected the offer and claimed it would respond “soon,” Channel 12 reported.
Israeli actions have seemingly put Netanyahu on Trump’s bad side, with the president reportedly saying the prime minister has “no f***ing judgment” and noting he is “very unhappy” with the strikes in Lebanon amid Iran negotiations.
