Israel Launches New Lebanon Strikes Despite Trump’s Criticism

Israeli forces carried out fresh airstrikes in southern Lebanon on Wednesday, escalating tensions despite public criticism from US President Donald Trump and growing diplomatic efforts aimed at stabilising the region.

Lebanon's National News Agency (NNA) reported that Israeli fighter jets targeted the Nabatieh al-Fawqa area and the outskirts of neighbouring Kfar Tebnit. While the Israeli military had not officially commented on the latest strikes at the time of reporting, Israeli authorities have consistently maintained that their operations are directed at positions linked to Hezbollah, the Iran-backed armed group.

The strikes come just days after the announcement of a US-Iran understanding intended to reduce regional hostilities. Although the full text of the agreement has not been made public, Pakistani officials involved in mediation efforts have indicated that Lebanon forms part of the broader framework.

The latest military action is likely to further test the fragile diplomatic progress made over the weekend.

Speaking at the G7 summit in France on Tuesday, President Trump publicly expressed frustration over Israel's continued military operations in Lebanon, saying Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu needed "to be more responsible with respect to Lebanon."

Trump noted that the conflict with Hezbollah had dragged on for too long and lamented the human cost of the violence.

"Too many people are being killed," the US president said.

His remarks followed Sunday's Israeli airstrike on Beirut, which Israel said was carried out in response to a cross-border rocket attack launched by Hezbollah. That strike had already raised concerns among diplomats seeking to finalise the emerging US-Iran agreement.

While reaffirming his close relationship with Netanyahu, Trump suggested that some recent Israeli actions had been excessive.

"I have a great relationship with him, but I didn't like that he did an attack that was too much," Trump said.

He also reiterated his longstanding support for Israel, declaring that no previous US president had done as much for the country as he had.

Despite the criticism, Netanyahu has shown no indication of altering Israel's security posture.

On Monday, the Israeli prime minister stated that Israeli forces would remain active in Lebanon "for as long as necessary" to neutralise threats posed by Hezbollah.

Iran has also weighed in on the situation. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that any continued Israeli military presence in Lebanese territory or further attacks could be viewed as violations of the interim understanding reached with Washington.

Details of the proposed memorandum of understanding remain largely confidential. However, Swiss authorities have indicated that both sides are expected to formally sign the agreement later this week at the Swiss resort of Bürgenstock.

Trump has suggested he may personally unveil the agreement in a public briefing, describing it as a breakthrough that would prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon and restore free passage through the strategic Strait of Hormuz.

The president also contrasted the deal with the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), negotiated under former President Barack Obama, arguing that the new arrangement would deliver stronger results without the financial concessions made under the earlier accord.

For now, however, continued exchanges between Israel and Hezbollah underline the challenges facing efforts to translate diplomatic progress into lasting calm on the ground.