Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jun 19
Trump Signals Backing for Netanyahu in Israel Vote as He Urges Softer Hezbollah Strikes
Updated
Updated · Fox News · Jun 19

Trump Signals Backing for Netanyahu in Israel Vote as He Urges Softer Hezbollah Strikes

3 articles · Updated · Fox News · Jun 19

Summary

  • Trump said he would be “most likely” to endorse Benjamin Netanyahu in Israel’s upcoming election, while making clear the backing depends on who else enters the race.
  • In the same interview, Trump urged Netanyahu to use a “softer touch” against Hezbollah in Lebanon, saying Israel need not “bring down a building every time” a member enters it.
  • The comments extend a public rift driven by Israeli actions in Lebanon that Trump says jeopardized a U.S.-Iran deal; he recently confirmed calling Netanyahu “f---ing crazy” and said he was “so pissed off” after a Beirut strike.
  • Netanyahu has still emphasized close ties with Trump, saying they speak almost every day, while Vice President JD Vance said sanctions on Iran would stay if Tehran keeps funding groups such as Hezbollah.

Insights

What explains the split between Israel and Gulf nations, who now support the new U.S. deal with Iran?
Why is Israel escalating its war in Lebanon, directly defying the new U.S.-brokered peace deal with Iran?
How can the U.S. disarm Hezbollah when Iran's direct control over the militant group is actually increasing?