Trump Moves to Restrain Netanyahu After Israel Strikes Beirut

Barak Ravid, a global affairs correspondent for Axios, reported via social media that Trump told him directly he would call Netanyahu and urge restraint. The President indicated he would tell the Israeli leader not to strike back against Iran following its latest missile barrage.

The exchange comes amid a rapid escalation that began when Hezbollah launched attacks on northern Israel, prompting Israeli Defense Forces to strike targets in Beirut. Iran then retaliated with a missile strike on Israeli territory, according to reporting from Axios cited by Breitbart News.

The IDF confirmed that warning sirens sounded across northern Israel as four missiles were fired from Iran. Iranian state media claimed a third wave of missiles had been launched, though Israeli officials stated all incoming projectiles had been intercepted successfully.

IDF spokesperson Brig. Gen. Efi Defrin confirmed that Israeli forces were developing military plans and would continue operations against Hezbollah positions in Beirut despite the escalating situation.

Israeli officials disclosed that the country had struck the southern suburbs of Beirut in direct response to the Hezbollah missile attack. According to sources who spoke to Axios, Israel notified the Trump administration prior to conducting the Beirut strike.

One United States official, speaking alongside two additional sources, confirmed that Washington had been briefed before the Israeli operation proceeded. A separate U.S. official emphasized that the United States supports Israel’s right to defend itself while also backing the legitimate government of Lebanon in its efforts to secure a better future for Lebanese citizens.

The developing situation represents a critical test of Trump’s approach to Middle Eastern stability as multiple actors trade strikes across the region.

With information from Breitbart News