Trump Critiques Israel's Strategy Against Hezbollah at G7 Summit

At the recent G7 Summit, Donald Trump voiced his concerns regarding Israel's military actions against Hezbollah, suggesting that Syria might be better equipped to handle the situation. He criticized the prolonged conflict for its humanitarian toll and urged Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to adopt a more responsible approach. Trump also highlighted the potential risks to broader diplomatic efforts, particularly in light of US-Iran negotiations. His remarks have sparked discussions about the effectiveness of Israel's military strategy and the implications for regional stability.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 17, 2026, 00:58 IST

Trump's Concerns Over Israel-Hezbollah Conflict

During the G7 Summit, former US President Donald Trump expressed his disapproval of Israel's ongoing military engagement with Hezbollah, suggesting that Syria might handle the situation more effectively. He noted that the prolonged conflict has led to significant civilian casualties and criticized the excessive destruction caused by Israeli airstrikes.

Trump stated, “The current leadership in Syria is quite adept with Hezbollah,” implying that Syria could potentially manage the Iran-supported group better than Israel. He emphasized the humanitarian consequences of Israel's military actions, arguing that targeting civilian structures is unnecessary when searching for militants.

Expressing his frustration, Trump remarked that the conflict has persisted for too long, resulting in unnecessary loss of life. In a discussion with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, he reiterated his strong relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu while advocating for a more cautious approach in Lebanon.

Trump urged Netanyahu to act more responsibly regarding Lebanon, stating, “I am not satisfied with how Israel has approached the situation with Hezbollah.” He also mentioned that he had proposed allowing Syrian President Ahmed Al-Sharaa to take charge of dealing with Hezbollah, acknowledging that while Al-Sharaa is not ideal, he has effectively managed the situation.

He further warned that the ongoing conflict could jeopardize broader diplomatic initiatives, including recent negotiations between the US and Iran. Trump remarked that recent Israeli strikes in Beirut, which he deemed insignificant, should not hinder the peace process, asserting that they could disrupt the momentum of negotiations.

Israel, on the other hand, maintains that its military operations are a necessary response to Hezbollah's provocations in northern Israel, asserting its right to defend itself.