Israel sought clarification from the White House regarding a post by US President Donald Trump, in which he stated that Israel is “prohibited” from conducting airstrikes in Lebanon, according to an American source and another source familiar with the matter, as reported by Axios. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his associates were surprised by Trump’s post, which contradicted the text of the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon published by the State Department on Thursday.
Trump’s wording – essentially issuing an order that Israel was obliged to obey – would have been unthinkable under other American administrations. According to sources, Netanyahu was surprised and concerned when informed about the post. The US had been pressing for days for a ceasefire, while simultaneously working on a deal with Iran.
The agreement gives Israel the right to take military action, even during the ceasefire, “in self-defense, at any time, against planned, imminent or ongoing attacks.” Israel committed not to proceed with operations against targets in Lebanon, including civilian, military and other state targets.
Middle East: What Netanyahu’s associates say about the American stance and Lebanon
The ceasefire is extremely politically sensitive for Netanyahu, with his government emphasizing that it will not hesitate to strike Hezbollah if deemed necessary. However, on Friday Trump used much harsher language. “Israel will no longer bomb Lebanon. IT IS PROHIBITED from doing so by the US. Enough already!!!”.
In an interview with Axios, he reiterated his desire for Israeli strikes on Lebanon to stop. “Israel must stop. They cannot continue blowing up buildings. I will not allow it,” he declared.
Netanyahu’s associates, including Israeli Ambassador to Washington Yechiel Leiter, rushed to investigate whether the US had changed its position.
Israeli officials sought clarification from the White House and emphasized that Trump’s comments contradict the agreement.
On Friday evening, shortly before Trump’s interview with Axios, an Israeli drone struck southern Lebanon.
An Israeli source later claimed that Hezbollah violated the ceasefire and attacked Israeli forces within the security zone.
“Our forces acted in the framework of self-defense to neutralize the threat, in accordance with the ceasefire agreement reached with the United States and Lebanon,” the same source stated.
