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Netanyahu Under Fire for Halting Beirut Attack After Trump Call; Rivals Call Israel a 'Vassal State'

From Hankyoreh · () Korean

Translated from Korean, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Ongoing story
  • Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly halted an attack on Beirut after a call with former U.S. President Donald Trump.
  • Netanyahu's decision drew sharp criticism from domestic rivals who accused him of acting like a "vassal state."
  • U.S. officials reportedly expressed concern that expanding the conflict could impact sensitive negotiations between the U.S. and Iran.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly withdrawn an order to attack Hezbollah strongholds in southern Beirut following a phone call with former U.S. President Donald Trump. The decision has triggered strong criticism from Netanyahu's political rivals within Israel.

Complete vassal state.

— Yair LapidCriticizing the Israeli government's decision to halt an attack on Beirut following a call with Trump.

Yair Lapid, leader of the opposition Yesh Atid party and former prime minister, took to social media to label Israel a "vassal state" in response to the halted airstrikes. Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett also criticized the Israeli government, stating it had "lost control over its sovereignty."

Even within Netanyahu's cabinet, dissent emerged. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, a far-right figure, questioned Netanyahu's leadership, suggesting it was a time to say "no" to the U.S. President, implying a need for a tougher stance against Hezbollah.

The government has lost control over its sovereignty.

— Naftali BennettCommenting on the perceived loss of Israeli sovereignty due to external influence.

The incident unfolded after Netanyahu ordered the Israeli military to strike Hezbollah targets in Beirut on Saturday, only to retract the order. Reports suggest Trump's intervention was decisive. Trump posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, stating he had spoken with Netanyahu and that Israeli forces heading to Beirut would not proceed, with those already en route being turned back.

Didn't you say that a capable (Netanyahu) prime minister says 'yes' to the US president when possible and 'no' when necessary? Now is the time to say 'no' to President Trump.

— Itamar Ben-GvirQuestioning Netanyahu's leadership and urging a tougher stance.

Axios, citing U.S. officials, reported that Trump expressed anger during the call, allegedly using expletives and warning Netanyahu that such actions would lead to further international isolation for Israel. The U.S. reportedly urged Israel to halt the attack, fearing it could jeopardize sensitive memorandum of understanding negotiations between the U.S. and Iran aimed at de-escalating tensions. Iran had previously stated that an Israeli attack on Lebanon would be considered a violation of a ceasefire and could lead to the suspension of dialogue with the U.S.

There will be no movement of Israeli forces towards Beirut, and those already on the way have been turned back.

— Donald TrumpAnnouncing the halt of Israeli military movement towards Beirut after his call with Netanyahu.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Hankyoreh in Korean. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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