Trump Rarely Criticizes Israel's Tactics, Says Pursuing Hezbollah Doesn't Require Bombing Entire Buildings

(Central News Agency, Washington, June 16 - compiled foreign reports) U.S. President Donald Trump today made a rare public criticism of Israel's military actions in Lebanon targeting Hezbollah, stating it is unnecessary to bomb entire apartment buildings in pursuit of armed militants.

According to Reuters, Trump has expressed dissatisfaction in recent days over Israel's attacks on Beirut, saying such actions could threaten his peace agreement with Iran. He said Israel and the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah have been in conflict for "too long."

Speaking at the Group of Seven (G7) summit in France, Trump said: "Too many people have already died. There's no need to level entire apartment buildings every time you're looking for someone, because there are many residents inside who are not Hezbollah members."

Trump's relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has recently become strained. Although they have had disagreements in the past, Netanyahu has remained a key political ally of Trump.

However, tensions have become more apparent lately. Israel has privately criticized Trump's proposed agreement with Iran; in turn, Trump has grown increasingly frustrated with Netanyahu over Israel's airstrikes on Beirut, which have provoked Iranian retaliation just as he is striving to finalize a U.S.-Iran peace deal.

Trump said his relationship with Netanyahu is "very good," but immediately emphasized that Netanyahu should act "more responsibly" toward Lebanon. He said: "Without us, without America, there would be no Israel. Without me, there would be no Israel, because no other president would have done what I have done."

Israel halting its bombing of Hezbollah in Lebanon is a key demand from Iran in the peace agreement; however, Israel's refusal to de-escalate has become a recurring point of contention between Trump and Netanyahu. It is rare for any U.S. president, including Trump himself, to publicly criticize Israel's military strategy.

There is currently no indication that Trump's remarks will translate into concrete policy forcing Israel to adjust its military tactics to better protect civilians.

An Israeli embassy spokesperson in the U.S. declined to comment on the matter. (Compiled by: Tsai Chia-min) 1150617

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