Trump shocks Netanyahu with ‘PROHIBITED’ Lebanon strikes remark
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‘Israel’ has sought clarification from the White House following remarks by President of the United States Donald Trump stating that ‘Israel’ is prohibited from carrying out airstrikes in Lebanon, according to US sources cited by Axios.
The reports said 'Israeli' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his advisers were "shocked" by Trump’s comments, with Netanyahu himself said to be “stunned and alarmed” after learning of the statement through media coverage.
Trump had said that “Israel will not be bombing Lebanon any longer” and that such actions were “PROHIBITED” by the United States, language that 'Israeli' officials viewed as contradicting the publicly released terms of the ceasefire agreement.
- What does the agreement say? -
According to the agreement, ‘Israel’ committed to refraining from offensive military operations against Lebanese targets, but retained the right to act in self-defense against “planned, imminent, or ongoing attacks.”
'Israeli' officials moved quickly following the remarks, with aides, including the ambassador to Washington, seeking urgent clarification from US counterparts to determine whether there had been any shift in policy.
- Self-defense greenlight from US official -
A US official later reaffirmed that the ceasefire terms remain unchanged, stressing that while offensive operations are restricted, ‘Israel’ retains the right to respond to threats under the self-defense clause, according to Axios.
The issue gained further urgency after reports of an ‘Israeli’ drone strike in southern Lebanon shortly before Trump reiterated his position, with 'Israeli' sources claiming the action was taken in response to a violation of the ceasefire.
