Trump tells Israel to stand down on Lebanon, Netanyahu left stunned — Axios
Photo: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump (Getty Images)
US President Donald Trump prohibited Israel from carrying out airstrikes on Lebanon, sparking surprise and concern within the Israeli leadership, reports Axios.
According to the outlet, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his team were shocked by Trump’s wording, which contradicts the terms of the recently agreed ceasefire.
Earlier, the United States announced a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon. Under the agreement, Israel committed to refraining from offensive operations but retained the right to self-defense in case of threats.
Trump wrote: "Israel will not be bombing Lebanon any longer. They are prohibited from doing so by the USA."
Later, in an interview, he added that he would not allow further strikes and insisted on their complete cessation.
According to Axios sources, the Israeli side learned about the statement from the media and immediately contacted Washington for clarification.
Israel’s ambassador to the US, Yechiel Leiter, tried to find out whether this means a change in US policy.
The White House later clarified that the agreement remains in force: Israel must not conduct offensive operations but may act in self-defense.
Ceasefire between Lebanon and Israel
Recently, Israel and Lebanon held talks in the United States for the first time in 30 years. The ambassadors of both countries met in Washington and discussed the possibility of a ceasefire.
Earlier, Israel stated its intention to begin direct negotiations with Lebanon to establish peace and disarm Hezbollah.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also stressed that the ceasefire between the United States and Iran does not apply to hostilities against Hezbollah in Lebanon. Therefore, operations in this region will continue.
On April 17, it became known that Israel and Lebanon officially agreed to a ten-day ceasefire mediated by the United States.
