On 16/6, speaking at the G7 summit in France, US President Donald Trump asserted that the protracted conflict between Israel and the Iran-backed armed group Hezbollah in Lebanon had resulted in "too many deaths."

"There is no need to demolish an entire apartment building to find someone, as many residents in those buildings are not Hezbollah members," he stated, seemingly referring to Israel's tactics.

Trump expressed dissatisfaction with Israel's handling of Hezbollah and Lebanon. He suggested Tel Aviv should have "finished the job faster," adding that the prolonged conflict negatively impacted the US-Iran agreement.

President Trump speaks during a meeting with the Emir of Qatar on the sidelines of the G7 summit in France on 16/6. *Photo: AP*

Trump reiterated his displeasure with Israel's 14/6 attack on "Hezbollah headquarters" in Beirut's southern suburbs. He previously complained that the strike stalled the US-Iran peace agreement for several hours.

"I dislike that Beirut, Lebanon, was attacked two hours before we signed the agreement," Trump stated.

Trump suggested that interim Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa could lead the fight against Hezbollah more effectively. "I suggested to Israel that they let Syria handle the Hezbollah issue," he stated, adding, "Frankly, I think they would do a better job."

Trump described the interim Syrian President as "very capable" and someone who "protected everything" he requested. "If Israel cannot accomplish that without harming others, Syria will," he asserted.

Trump believed the agreement with Iran would remain even if Israel continued attacks in Lebanon. This contradicts Tehran's position, which asserts a ceasefire in Lebanon is "prerequisite" to maintaining the deal.

Trump also reiterated his dissatisfaction with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. "I have a great relationship with Bibi, but now Bibi must be more responsible for the Lebanon issue," he stated, using Netanyahu's nickname.

Syrian and Israeli officials have not commented. Damascus, however, has long been an adversary of Tel Aviv, and Israeli leaders expressed deep skepticism about Sharaa's new Syrian administration.

President Trump shakes hands with Prime Minister Netanyahu during a press conference in Florida, US in 12/2025. *Photo: AP*

Israel also did not support the US-Iran agreement, asserting it would not be deterred from fighting Hezbollah and preventing attacks on its territory.

Despite this, Prime Minister Netanyahu carefully avoided public confrontation with Trump. On 15/6, discussing the Iran-US agreement, Netanyahu stated he did not always share Trump's views.

"He is the US President, and I am the Prime Minister of Israel. I am responsible for Israel's security interests, and that must be handled wisely," Netanyahu said, adding that such disagreements "occur even in the most harmonious families."

Pham Giang (According to Times of Israel, Bloomberg, CNN)