Expressing frustration over Israel’s operations in Lebanon, US President Donald Trump stated that Syria might handle the fight against Hezbollah more effectively. Speaking with Qatar’s Emir at the G7 Summit in France, Trump indicated that Benjamin Netanyahu’s actions against the Iran-backed group had disrupted talks with Iran.
“Israel can’t do the job without killing everyone else, so Syria should do the job,” Trump said, noting Syria’s long-standing opposition to Israel.
The comment followed a US-Iran framework peace agreement that includes ending military actions in Lebanon, which Israel opposed. Trump criticized Israel’s Beirut strike that killed three and wounded six, saying he disliked the attack and that Israel depends on US support.
He added that Israel’s campaign against Hezbollah has lasted too long, causing excessive deaths, and that targeting apartment buildings risks harming civilians. Lebanese officials report over 3,200 deaths since March from Israeli strikes, though Israel says it targets only militant sites.
Trump denied any rift with Netanyahu and described their relationship as strong, while stressing the need for responsibility in Lebanon. He called the Lebanon conflict a minor issue compared to Iran and suggested Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa could manage Hezbollah better due to his own opposition to the group.
Regarding the Iran deal, Trump warned of severe consequences if Tehran pursued nuclear weapons and confirmed no US funds would go to Iran under the agreement.
