Minister Zeev Elkin told journalist Yisrael Cohen on Kol B'Arama that Israel will do everything necessary in Lebanon, even at the cost of confrontation with US President Trump and his administration. The statement underscores growing tensions between Jerusalem and Washington over Israeli operations on the northern front.
Minister Zeev Elkin’s statement Tuesday morning on Kol B'Arama marks one of the sharpest Israeli public positions yet regarding the Lebanon front amid ongoing US pressure for restraint. Speaking to journalist Yisrael Cohen, Elkin said Israel would do everything required in Lebanon, even at the price of confrontation with President Donald Trump and his administration. The remarks come as The Zioneer has reported extensively on US efforts to secure a ceasefire framework that includes Lebanon, including a reported US request to Israel for a total halt to operations on the northern front (June 17). Days earlier, President Trump said he would examine Prime Minister Netanyahu's claim that Israeli forces are not leaving Lebanon, and a US ambassador noted Trump had almost clashed with Netanyahu over Lebanon. Elkin’s explicit threat to defy the administration signals that at least parts of the Israeli government are prepared to reject US-brokered arrangements if they conflict with Israeli security needs in the north. The full context of the interview and any follow-up remarks by other officials have not yet been reported.
2 developments
- DevelopingMinister Elkin: Criticism of PM Netanyahu is an attack on Israel, security red lines come before US praise
- DevelopingSenior Israeli official: Netanyahu told Trump he understands his Iran efforts but Israel must not be a victim
- DevelopingNetanyahu: Must safeguard security interests while preserving ties with US
- DevelopingAnalyst says Netanyahu faces a decisive strategic test with Trump on Iran and Lebanon
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