U.S. President Donald Trump said he convinced Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to refrain from launching a large-scale attack on Lebanon. Trump disclosed on his Truth Social account that after his request, Netanyahu withdrew Israeli troops. The phone conversation between the two leaders was described as heated, with Trump reportedly telling Netanyahu that without his intervention, the Israeli leader would already be in prison.
According to reports cited by Axios, Trump sharply criticized Netanyahu during the call, accusing him of escalating tensions and damaging Israel’s global image. The exchange followed Iran’s threat to suspend peace talks with the United States over Israel’s attacks in Lebanon. Trump also claimed to have spoken with representatives of Hezbollah’s leadership, who agreed to stop firing at Israeli forces, while Israel also agreed to cease fire.
The developments came amid renewed hostilities between U.S. and Iranian forces that threatened a two-month ceasefire. Despite the truce, Israeli troops had advanced deeper into Lebanon than at any time in the past 26 years.