DistantNews
Support us
๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ธ United States /Conflict & Security

Israel's recent attack in Lebanon was "too much," Trump says

From CBS News · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Former U.S. President Donald Trump criticized recent Israeli strikes in Lebanon as "vicious" and "too much."
  • Trump stated he has a "great relationship" with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu but urged him to be more responsible.
  • The comments came as Trump attended the G7 summit, where a truce between the U.S. and Iran regarding a ceasefire was expected to be formalized.

Former U.S. President Donald Trump described recent Israeli strikes in Lebanon as "vicious" and "too much," despite maintaining a strong relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump made these remarks from France, where he was attending the G7 summit, an event occurring as the U.S. and Iran were nearing the formalization of a truce to extend a ceasefire.

great relationship

โ€” Donald TrumpFormer President Trump described his relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Trump expressed his disapproval of the timing of the strikes, which occurred just hours before a truce was to be signed. He stated that Netanyahu "has to be more responsible with respect to Lebanon." The former president characterized the attack as "vicious" and excessive, emphasizing that while he and Netanyahu have a "great relationship," actions can sometimes go too far.

vicious

โ€” Donald TrumpFormer President Trump described the recent Israeli strikes in Lebanon.

Trump also asserted the significant role of the United States in Israel's existence, stating, "Without us, without the United States, there would be no Israel." He suggested that Israel has been engaged in a prolonged conflict with Hezbollah, leading to significant casualties. Trump implied that Israel's methods, such as destroying apartment buildings, might be too broad, as not everyone in them is a Hezbollah member. He even suggested Syria might be better equipped to handle Hezbollah.

too much

โ€” Donald TrumpFormer President Trump described the recent Israeli strikes in Lebanon.

These comments reflect a pattern of frustration Trump has shown towards Netanyahu. Reports indicate Trump had previously questioned Netanyahu's actions forcefully following the strikes. Meanwhile, Israeli officials stated their troops would remain in Lebanon, asserting that "Trump's agreement does not bind us." Iran's foreign minister, however, warned that any continued Israeli presence would violate the nascent deal.

has to be more responsible with respect to Lebanon

โ€” Donald TrumpFormer President Trump urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to act more responsibly regarding Lebanon.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by CBS News. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.