US President Donald Trump has renewed his criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over military operations in Lebanon, describing recent strikes in Beirut as excessive and warning that such actions risk further destabilising the region.
Speaking on the sidelines of the G7 summit in France, Trump said he was unhappy with the timing and scale of the Israeli attack, which came shortly before the completion of a US-Iran agreement. He said operations of this kind do not help efforts to restore calm in the Middle East.
While stressing that his relationship with Netanyahu remains close, Trump called on the Israeli leader to show greater restraint in Lebanon. He also revealed that he had suggested Israel consider a greater role for Syria in dealing with Hezbollah, arguing that Damascus may be able to manage the issue more effectively.
The US President said the conflict with Hezbollah has dragged on for many years, but warned that strikes on populated areas often carry a heavy civilian cost. Many of those inside buildings hit in such attacks, he said, have no connection to the group.
His remarks come amid growing reports of tension between Washington and Tel Aviv over the handling of developments in the Middle East, as the United States moves ahead with efforts to finalise its agreement with Iran.
