Prime Minister Netanyahu told the cabinet Sunday that reports alleging President Trump asked him not to operate against Hezbollah terror tunnels in Lebanon are 'legend, fake news,' according to a quote reported by Amit Segal (N12). Netanyahu said Trump did not raise the issue and he did not request permission, adding that Israel acts according to its own considerations.
Prime Minister Netanyahu issued a firm denial Sunday during a cabinet meeting, calling reports that President Trump asked him to refrain from operating against Hezbollah tunnels in Lebanon "legend, fake news." Netanyahu stated that Trump never raised the matter and that he did not seek Washington's approval, affirming that Israel acts according to its own considerations.
In recent weeks, The Zioneer has reported on several exchanges between the two leaders regarding Lebanon: Trump denied asking Netanyahu to hold back on retaliation (June 9); Netanyahu told Trump that Israel does not see itself bound by a permanent ceasefire (June 18, CNN); and Netanyahu updated Trump on light casualties from southern Lebanon strikes while expecting Hezbollah to hold fire (June 16). The denial aligns with Netanyahu's public insistence on preserving freedom of military action in southern Lebanon.
2 developments
- StrongCNN: Netanyahu tells Trump Israel does not see itself bound by demand for permanent Lebanon ceasefire
- StrongNetanyahu tells Trump southern Lebanon strikes 'light casualties' so far, expects Hezbollah to hold fire
- DevelopingTrump denies asking Netanyahu to hold back, says he told him to 'do what's right' but stop soon
- StrongKatz: Trump blocked a full-scale Israeli offensive to destroy Hezbollah
Source and signal
- Internal intake