Donald Trump denounces IDF strikes in Beirut , calls to cease attacks on Hezbollah

What Happened

On Sunday, the IDF conducted strikes targeting a Hezbollah command center in Beirut's Dahiyeh district, hours before a scheduled US-Iran peace deal signing. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed the operation, stating it was in response to Hezbollah fire into Israeli territory. The IDF said the targeted facility was used to plan attacks against Israeli citizens and soldiers in southern Lebanon, and that it notified CENTCOM shortly beforehand. US President Donald Trump publicly denounced the strikes, writing on Truth Social that Israel should cease attacks in Lebanon and warning that the action risked the imminent Iran deal. In an interview with Israel's Channel 12, Trump said the Hezbollah fire had caused no casualties and criticized Netanyahu's decision with profanity, stating he had conveyed his anger directly to the prime minister.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

President Trump's rebuke represents a rare public rift in US-Israel relations, as he linked Israeli military action directly to the fate of a pending US-Iran deal. This could constrain Israeli operations in Lebanon and reshape the dynamics of the Israel-Hezbollah conflict, while testing US-Israel coordination at a critical diplomatic juncture.

Watch For

Whether the US-Iran peace deal is signed or collapses on Sunday evening; any reduction or escalation in Israeli military activity in Lebanon; direct communications between Trump and Netanyahu; and further Hezbollah cross-border attacks or Israeli responses.