Fresh Israeli Strikes Hit Lebanon Despite Trump Criticism
Picture: Reuters
Israeli forces carried out fresh airstrikes in southern Lebanon on Wednesday, according to Lebanese state media. The strikes came as diplomatic tensions rose following criticism from US President Donald Trump over Israel’s military actions. The situation reflects growing pressure amid ongoing regional conflict.
Lebanon’s National News Agency (NNA) reported that Israeli jets struck the Nabatieh al-Fawqa area and nearby outskirts of Kfar Tebnit. The Israeli military has not yet commented on the latest strikes but has repeatedly said its operations target Hezbollah, the Iran-backed armed group.
The escalation comes amid heightened regional diplomacy following a US-Iran agreement aimed at de-escalating broader conflict dynamics, though the full text of the deal has not been released. Pakistan acting as a mediator, has indicated that Lebanon is included in the framework.
Speaking at the G7 summit in France on Tuesday, Trump said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu needed 'to be more responsible with respect to Lebanon,' adding that the fighting with Hezbollah had gone on 'too long' and was causing excessive casualties.
Trump also claimed US leadership was essential to Israel’s existence, saying, “Without the United States, there would be no Israel. Without me, there would be no Israel.”
Netanyahu said, "Israeli forces would remain in Lebanon for as long as necessary.”
Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned that any continued Israeli military presence in Lebanon would violate the interim agreement with Washington. "The deal expected to be signed in Switzerland, would reportedly ensure Iran never acquires a nuclear weapon,” according to Trump, who said he would publicly present the agreement in full once finalized.
Source: BBC (Adapted)
