Washington/Jerusalem, June 2: Reports of a tense phone conversation between U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have drawn international attention as the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah continues to escalate in Lebanon.
According to multiple media reports citing U.S. officials, Trump expressed strong concern over Israel’s recent military actions in Lebanon, particularly plans for possible strikes in Beirut. The reports claim that the U.S. president urged Netanyahu to avoid further escalation, warning that expanded military operations could worsen regional instability and increase international criticism of Israel.
The reported exchange took place amid growing tensions in the Middle East, where ongoing clashes between Israeli forces and the Iran-backed Hezbollah group have raised fears of a broader regional conflict. According to Axios, Trump opposed plans to target Hezbollah positions in Beirut and argued that such actions could undermine diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing hostilities in the region.
Media reports suggest that Trump acknowledged Israel’s right to defend itself against Hezbollah attacks but believed that some of Israel’s recent military responses were disproportionate and risked damaging the country’s international standing.
The reported disagreement comes at a sensitive time as Washington continues diplomatic efforts to prevent a wider war involving Lebanon, Israel, and Iran. U.S. officials have reportedly proposed a roadmap under which Hezbollah would halt attacks on Israel in exchange for Israel refraining from further escalation in Beirut.
Despite the reports, neither the White House nor the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office has released a detailed official account of the alleged conversation. However, Netanyahu has publicly maintained that Israel will continue taking military action against Hezbollah if attacks on Israeli territory persist.
The developments have fueled speculation about potential differences between Washington and Jerusalem over how to handle the escalating conflict in Lebanon. Analysts say any public disagreement between Trump and Netanyahu could have significant implications for regional diplomacy and ongoing efforts to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East.
As the situation continues to evolve, international observers are closely monitoring whether diplomatic initiatives can prevent further military escalation and stabilize the region.
