President Trump told Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during their meeting Wednesday that he wants Israel to be able to defend itself in Lebanon — but that he wants it to act with discretion. The remark, reported by journalist Barak Ravid (N12), signals the U.S. position on the northern front amid ongoing Israeli operations against Hezbollah.
President Trump stated the U.S. position on Israel's Lebanon operations during a meeting with Indian PM Narendra Modi on Wednesday, according to journalist Barak Ravid (N12). Trump said he wants Israel to be able to defend itself in Lebanon, but added that he wants it to act 'with discretion.' The phrasing suggests the administration continues to back Israeli self-defense capabilities while signaling caution in the conduct of operations on the northern front. The comment comes as the U.S. has been engaged in its own airstrikes and diplomatic efforts regarding Iran, and as Israel's campaign against Hezbollah enters its third week. Trump's formulation — affirming the right to self-defense while urging restraint — echoes previous public remarks by the president, who said Monday he hopes the Lebanon situation can be resolved and acknowledged Hezbollah as a necessary interlocutor. As The Zioneer reported, the U.S.-Israel relationship on this front has seen friction: Netanyahu this week asserted Israel stands up for its own interests, while Barak Ravid previously warned that a rift between the prime minister and Trump could leave Israel isolated over Iran. The remark to Modi — a U.S. ally in the region — appears to set the parameters of U.S. support in a format designed for an international audience.
2 developments
- DevelopingTrump says Israel's counterstrike in Iran was 'unnecessary' but says he understands why it acted
- StrongNetanyahu says Israel exercising self-defense rights in talks with Trump
- DevelopingTrump says Israel has done enough, should not strike back further
- DevelopingTrump administration reportedly ordered no defensive action to protect Israel from Iranian missiles
Source and signal
- Internal intake