US President Donald Trump has said that he maintains a strong relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, but believes the Israeli leader needs to act more responsibly regarding the situation in Lebanon.
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the G7 Summit, Trump praised his long-standing ties with Netanyahu, commonly known as “Bibi,” and highlighted the close relationship between the United States and Israel. However, he also expressed dissatisfaction with Israel’s handling of the conflict involving Lebanon and Hezbollah.
Trump said he was not pleased with how Israel had managed its operations in Lebanon, arguing that the situation had dragged on for too long. According to him, the prolonged conflict has complicated broader diplomatic efforts, particularly ongoing attempts to reach an agreement with Iran.
The US president stressed that the continued tensions in Lebanon cast a negative shadow over negotiations with Tehran. He suggested that Israel should have resolved the matter more quickly, saying the extended conflict was affecting efforts to secure a larger regional deal.
While criticizing Israel’s approach in Lebanon, Trump reiterated his support for the country and emphasized his close relationship with Netanyahu. He claimed that his administration had taken unprecedented steps in support of Israel and argued that the country had benefited significantly from US backing during his presidency.
Trump also asserted that without American support, Israel would face far greater security challenges. Despite his criticism of recent actions, he described his relationship with Netanyahu as “unbelievable” and reaffirmed his commitment to Israel’s security.
His remarks come at a time of heightened regional tensions and ongoing diplomatic efforts involving Iran, while clashes between Israel and Hezbollah continue to remain a major concern for stability in the Middle East.
