US President Donald Trump has criticised Israel’s military campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon, saying the conflict has continued for too long and has led to excessive civilian casualties. Speaking on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in France, Mr Trump said Israel was “fighting Hezbollah too long” and that “too many people are being killed.” He urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to act more responsibly in the conduct of military operations. He also suggested that Syria’s leadership could be better placed to confront Hezbollah if Israel is unable to achieve its objectives without causing heavy civilian losses.
The remarks come amid heightened tensions over a proposed US-Iran agreement, with the situation in Lebanon emerging as a key sticking point. Mr Trump has said the text of the agreement will be released in the coming days, although US officials have indicated that the draft does not fully reflect understandings reached through diplomatic channels.
Reports indicate that Israel had sought access to the agreement text but was denied. Iranian officials, meanwhile, have linked progress on the broader deal to developments in Lebanon, including Israeli military operations and the continued presence of Israeli forces.
While fighting has eased since the announcement of the US-Iran understanding, sporadic violence continues. Hezbollah has said it has not carried out operations since the announcement but maintains that Israel must also comply with ceasefire commitments.
Israeli leaders, however, have reiterated that military operations against perceived security threats will continue and that forces will remain on high alert along the northern frontier. Lebanon remains the most sensitive element of the emerging US-Iran framework, with both Washington and Tehran facing domestic pressure as negotiations move forward. Key issues include the future role of armed groups in the region, security arrangements along the Israel-Lebanon border, and mechanisms to monitor compliance.
