Trump Suggests Syria Should Handle Hezbollah, Pressures Netanyahu
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
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- U.S. President Donald Trump suggested Israel should let Syria handle Hezbollah in Lebanon, expressing dissatisfaction with Israel's approach.
- Trump's comments, made at the G7 summit, signal growing tension between the U.S. and Israel regarding Middle East policy.
- The remarks come as the U.S. and Iran are nearing a preliminary ceasefire agreement, leaving Israel concerned about its regional security and freedom of action against groups like Hezbollah.
President Donald Trump has suggested that Israel should allow Syria to manage the Hezbollah threat in Lebanon, a statement that has sent ripples through the Middle East and exposed significant friction between Washington and Jerusalem. Speaking from the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, France, Trump indicated his belief that Syria might be more effective in dealing with the militant group.
"I have suggested to Israel that they let Syria take care of Hezbollah, and frankly, I think they will do a better job," Trump stated. He further cautioned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying he "has to be more responsible concerning Lebanon" and expressed his unhappiness with how Israel has handled the Lebanese Shiite group, an ally of Tehran.
This declaration marks a new point of contention between Trump and Netanyahu, who had aligned on an ambitious joint offensive against Iran. However, a preliminary agreement between Washington and Iran on ending the war has placed Israel in a difficult position, with several key priorities unresolved. The deal, set to be finalized soon, involves a 60-day pause in hostilities while definitive terms are negotiated, focusing on Iran's nuclear program.
I have suggested to Israel that they let Syria take care of Hezbollah, and frankly, I think they will do a better job.
Israeli officials, speaking anonymously to Reuters, described the preliminary agreement as "terrible for Israel." They acknowledged limited success in influencing the talks, particularly concerning Iran's missile program and its support for regional armed groups like Hezbollah. The situation in Lebanon has become a central point of divergence, with Trump prioritizing de-escalation and an end to the war, while Israel insists on maintaining its operational freedom against Hezbollah and keeping troops in southern Lebanon.
Trump's comments appear to challenge Netanyahu's long-standing strategy of confronting Hezbollah directly. The U.S. president's suggestion implies a potential shift in American regional strategy, prioritizing a broader ceasefire over Israel's specific security concerns regarding the group.
He has to be more responsible concerning Lebanon.
DistantNews Editorial
Originally published by La Nación in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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