Israel to continue Lebanon offensive despite Trump: Netanyahu

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told US President Donald Trump on Monday that Israeli forces would continue their offensive in southern Lebanon and strike "terror targets" in Beirut if Hezbollah persists in attacking Israeli cities, according to Israeli media. Speaking in comments carried by the daily Yedioth Ahronoth, Netanyahu said he informed Trump during their evening conversation that Israel's position "remains unchanged" despite Washington's diplomatic efforts.

"If Hezbollah does not stop attacking our cities and citizens, Israel will strike terror targets in Beirut," Netanyahu said, adding that the army would continue operating as planned in southern Lebanon. The prime minister's remarks came just hours after Trump announced that Israel and Hezbollah had reached an understanding to cease attacks against each other, creating an apparent contradiction between the two allies' public positions on the conflict.

US intervention delays strikes

Israeli public broadcaster KAN reported that Israel had planned to attack Beirut's southern suburbs on Monday morning but decided to postpone the bombardment following direct US intervention. Iranian media earlier reported that Tehran halted message exchanges with Washington over the Israeli escalation in Lebanon, further complicating diplomatic channels between the capitals.

Regional escalation

The conversation between Netanyahu and Trump took place hours after the Israeli leader ordered airstrikes on the Lebanese capital. Tensions have escalated sharply since the US and Israel launched strikes on Iran in February, prompting Tehran to retaliate with attacks targeting Israel and US allies in the Gulf alongside the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. A ceasefire took effect on April 8 through Pakistani mediation, though subsequent talks in Islamabad have failed to produce a lasting agreement as fighting continues along the Israel-Lebanon border.