Israel Strikes Beirut After Trump Urges Halt to Lebanon Operations
Israeli officials described a U.S. demand to stop strikes on Lebanon as a "resounding slap in the face." The strikes targeted a Hezbollah command center and prompted Iran to question U.S. commitment to a peace deal.
Washington Examiner" The statement followed Israeli strikes on a Hezbollah command center in Beirut. Trump had stated his intention to reach a deal ending the war with Iran by the end of Sunday. Israel conducted the Beirut strikes after initial Hezbollah attacks that caused no Israeli casualties or injuries.
An Israeli official told Channel 12 that Trump's statements do not reflect those of a friend to Israel. The official said the expectation that Israel would 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.
Netanyahu emphasized that Iran must be barred from developing a nuclear weapon.
Iranian Response and U.S.
Iran has said one requirement for peace is that Israel cease attacks on Hezbollah proxies in Lebanon. An Israeli Cabinet official told Channel 12 that Lebanon remains Israel's concern and that the country must not agree to the Iranian equation even at the cost of a severe confrontation with the United States.
