Trump says Netanyahu ‘has no f**king judgment’ after Beirut strike - report

Former U.S. President Donald Trump publicly criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, reportedly stating he has “no fucking judgment” following an Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) strike on a Hezbollah target in Beirut. The strike angered Tehran and potentially jeopardized a peace deal Washington is working to finalize with Iran.

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This morning’s attack on Beirut should not have happened, particularly on a special day when we are so close to a peace deal with Iran.

Trump expressed his dismay on Truth Social, writing, “This morning’s attack on Beirut should not have happened, particularly on a special day when we are so close to a peace deal with Iran.” He asserted that while Israel has the right to self-defense, the Hezbollah attack it was responding to was minor and caused no casualties, thus not warranting disruption of the sensitive peace process.

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Israel has the right to defend itself against threats, but the attack it was responding to was very small and meaningless, nobody was hurt, injured or killed and should not disrupt this important process.

The U.S. president reiterated his belief that a deal with Iran was imminent and urged all parties to de-escalate. He specifically called for an end to Israeli military actions throughout Lebanon, while also demanding that Hezbollah and other groups cease attacks against Israel. Trump suggested that the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding would include guarantees for Israel to halt offensive operations across all of Lebanon, not just Beirut.

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We are very close to a deal that will bring peace to the region, including to Lebanon, and all sides should stand down.

Concerns have arisen within Israel's political and security establishment that Washington might significantly restrict the IDF's operational freedom in Lebanon if the deal with Iran mandates a complete cessation of Israeli military activity nationwide. Reports indicate Trump proposed during a conversation with Netanyahu that Israel withdraw physically from southern Lebanon as part of the broader understandings with Iran, a suggestion Netanyahu reportedly rejected outright. Trump reportedly adopted a more aggressive tone in a subsequent phone call with Axios.

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There should be no more attacks by Israel anywhere in Lebanon, but there should also be no more attacks by any other party, including Hezbollah, against Israel.