Trump urges Netanyahu to limit Lebanon strikes to “surgical” actions, Axios reports

• Trump urges 'Israel' to limit strikes in Lebanon to “surgical” attacks and avoid a full-scale escalation, Axios reports.

President Donald Trump has urged 'Israeli' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to avoid a broad escalation in Lebanon and instead carry out only “surgical” military actions, according to a phone interview with Axios.

Trump told Axios he warned against widespread destruction, saying Israel “has got to do it more surgically” and avoid leveling buildings, arguing such actions are “too terrible” and harm 'Israel’s' image.

Ceasefire under strain

The comments come as a US-brokered ceasefire in Lebanon shows signs of strain, with only partial compliance on both sides and concerns it could collapse before its expected expiration in mid-May, Axios reported.

'Israeli' forces have continued operations in southern Lebanon, including demolishing structures it claims were used by Hezbollah, while the group has maintained rocket and drone attacks targeting 'Israeli' troops and border areas. 'Israel' has responded with expanded airstrikes, amid internal pressure to intensify its campaign.

According to Axios, Netanyahu has told Trump in recent calls that 'Israel' may need to escalate its response to Hezbollah attacks, reflecting growing frustration among 'Israeli' officials over US constraints.

Diplomatic efforts stall

Despite two meetings hosted by Secretary of State Marco Rubio with 'Israeli' and Lebanese ambassadors, no progress has been made toward launching formal peace talks, Axios reported. A renewed war in Lebanon could further complicate ongoing US diplomacy with Iran, even as the Trump administration insists the two tracks are separate.

Trump said he believes Lebanon can recover, blaming Iran and Hezbollah for the country’s instability. “Iran ruined Lebanon. Their proxy ruined Lebanon,” he told Axios.

Pressure on all sides

US officials told Axios that Hezbollah is not a party to the ceasefire and is attempting to undermine it through continued attacks. At the same time, Washington has urged 'Israel' to exercise restraint to preserve space for diplomacy.

Lebanon’s leadership faces mounting pressure both from Washington to curb Hezbollah’s influence and domestically over 'Israel’s' continued military presence and strikes in the south.

A senior Lebanese official expressed concern to Axios that ongoing 'Israeli' operations could bolster Hezbollah’s position as a resistance force. Tensions have also surfaced internally, with public exchanges of accusations between Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun.

The White House is pushing to launch 'Israel'-Lebanon peace talks and has floated the idea of a trilateral summit involving Trump, Netanyahu, and Aoun, according to Axios. However, such a meeting appears unlikely without significant progress on the ground.

Analysts say continued violence and destruction in Lebanon make it increasingly difficult for Beirut to engage in direct negotiations with 'Israel', even as US pressure intensifies.