politics
Israeli Defense Minister Says Trump Blocked Full Hezbollah Defeat
Israel Katz stated that President Trump halted Israel's campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon to pursue Iran negotiations. The comments came amid an agreement allowing Israeli forces to stay in southern Lebanon.
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Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz said Monday that President Trump stopped Israel from eliminating all of Hezbollah in Lebanon, the New York Post reported. Katz told reporters that a partnership with the United States carries certain constraints.
He added that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu resisted Trump's demands for the Israel Defense Forces to leave Lebanon during four phone calls.
Katz said Iran constantly pressed the United States to pressure Israel to halt the operation. At the time, he said, Israel was attacking targets across Lebanon. -Iran cease-fire, Katz stated. Netanyahu agreed not to strike buildings in Beirut, a step Katz opposed, though he pushed for continued surgical attacks, according to the New York Post.
Katz expressed regret over the cease-fire extension to Lebanon but noted it served an American interest. Trump viewed the Lebanon operation as an obstacle to negotiations with Iran, Katz said. Last week Israel and Lebanon agreed that Israeli forces can remain in southern Lebanon until Hezbollah is defeated.
