THE HALFAX HEIMDALL AUGUR

Trump criticizes Israel's tactics in Lebanon, says it is killing civilians <p>By Humeyra Pamuk</p><p>WASHINGTON, June 16 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump on Tuesday issued a rare public rebuke of Israel's military tactics in Lebanon targeting Hezbollah militants, saying it was unnecessary to bomb entire apartment buildings to hunt militants.</p><p>Trump, who in recent days had expressed his displeasure over Israeli attacks in Beirut that he said could have endangered his peace deal with Iran, said Israel has been fighting Hezbollah, the Iran-aligned Lebanese militia, for "too long".</p>

Syria’s Break With Hezbollah Opens New Questions After Trump ... Syrian soldiers patrol along the Syrian-Lebanese border in the rural area of Al Qusayr on April 1, 2026. (Bakr ALkasem/AFP via Getty Images) Syria’s Break With Hezbollah Opens New Questions After Trump Remarks Rizik Alabi 06/14/2026 Damascus’ shift away from its old alliance with Tehran and Hezbollah could reshape border security, smuggling routes, and the group’s freedom of movement [DAMASCUS] US President Donald Trump’s recent remarks suggesting that Syria could play a role in efforts against Hezbollah in Lebanon have sparked widespread debate—not only because of what he said, but because of what his comments reveal about the dramatic shifts in regional alliances since the fall of former Syrian President Bashar Assad’s government in late 2024. Speaking on June 8 about developments in Lebanon to NBCs Meet the Press , President Trump suggested that Syria could help facilitate “more surgical” strikes against Hezbollah. He also praised Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, saying he had succeeded in restoring a degree of stability to Syria after years of war and turmoil. The US president indicated that Washington could eit…

RT.com17 Jun 2026, 04:04 GMT+10 The conflict in Lebanon has taken West Jerusalem far too long, with far too many civilians killed, the US president has said Syria would do a"better job"fighting the Lebanon-based Hezbollah militant group than Israel, without"killing everyone else,"US President Donald Trump suggested on Tuesday, in a rare public criticism of Israel. West Jerusalem sent its troops into southern Lebanon to battle Hezbollah in the wake of the US-Israeli attack on Iran. Despite a supposed ceasefire, and with Tehran making an end to the war in Lebanon one of its key demands in negotiations with the US, the Israeli onslaught in the country continues and has even gained momentum in recent weeks. Trump lamented West Jerusalem's approach to the conflict, including its routine aerial attacks on densely populated areas, suggesting that neighboring Syria could do a"better job"against the group. READ MORE:'Trump has sold us out': Israelis react with anger and anxiety to new Iran deal "Israel is fighting Hezbollah for too long, and too many people are being killed. And you don't have to knock down an apartment house every time you're looking for somebody. Because there are a…

Trump presses Syria to take on Hezbollah, raising alarm in Lebanon and Israel <p>BEIRUT &#8212; As the White House has soured on Israel&#8217;s war with Hezbollah in Lebanon, U.S. President Donald Trump has shocked many in the region by pushing an alternative: Let Syria fight the Iran-backed militant group instead.</p>

Trump says will be able to persuade Israel not to attack Lebanon The US leader noted that Israel had "a lot of respect" for him

RT.com17 Jun 2026, 04:04 GMT+10 The conflict in Lebanon has taken West Jerusalem far too long, with far too many civilians killed, the US president has said Syria would do a"better job"fighting the Lebanon-based Hezbollah militant group than Israel, without"killing everyone else,"US President Donald Trump suggested on Tuesday, in a rare public criticism of Israel. West Jerusalem sent its troops into southern Lebanon to battle Hezbollah in the wake of the US-Israeli attack on Iran. Despite a supposed ceasefire, and with Tehran making an end to the war in Lebanon one of its key demands in negotiations with the US, the Israeli onslaught in the country continues and has even gained momentum in recent weeks. Trump lamented West Jerusalem's approach to the conflict, including its routine aerial attacks on densely populated areas, suggesting that neighboring Syria could do a"better job"against the group. READ MORE:'Trump has sold us out': Israelis react with anger and anxiety to new Iran deal "Israel is fighting Hezbollah for too long, and too many people are being killed. And you don't have to knock down an apartment house every time you're looking for somebody. Because there are a…

Why Trump’s proposal for Syria to fight Hezbollah will send ... - CNN US President Donald Trump walks off the podium after a group photo of G7 leaders and invited nations during the summit in Evian-les-Bains, France, on Tuesday, June 16. Thibault Camus/AP The Middle East Donald Trump Syria conflict See all topics Facebook Tweet Email Link Threads Link Copied! Follow US President Donald Trump suggested on Tuesday that Israel allow Syria to “deal with Hezbollah,” claiming Damascus would do a “better job.” The proposal, which Trump has now raised twice this month, touches on some of Lebanon’s deepest anxieties: Syria’s long history of interference in its affairs and the jihadist past of the country’s new rulers. It is unclear exactly what Trump is suggesting — deploying Syrian troops to southern Lebanon, or having Syrian forces forcibly cut off weapons supply routes. Either option would stoke fear inside Lebanon. Syria dominated Lebanon’s political scene for nearly three decades. Syrian forces first deployed into the neighboring country during its civil war in 1976 — ostensibly as peacekeepers — but remained long after the fighting stopped and maintained a prolonged military presence…

Trump presses Syria to take on Hezbollah, raising alarm in ... The White House has soured on Israel’s war with Hezbollah in Lebanon BEIRUT --As the White House has soured onIsrael’s war with Hezbollahin Lebanon, U.S. PresidentDonald Trumphas shocked many in the region by pushing an alternative: Let Syria fight the Iran-backed militant group instead. He has suggested that the battle-hardened and Islamist-led insurgents whooverthrew Syria's autocratic President Bashar Assada year and a half ago and formed a new government would do a better job of rooting out Hezbollah than the Israeli army. Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa has said he has no interest in doing so, and has asserted that Trump’s comments were misconstrued. But Trump has doubled down on the idea. Although it remains unclear how serious the White House is about the proposal, the prospect of a Syrian invasion has raised alarms in Lebanon — and also in Israel, which regards al-Sharaa's Islamist-led government with suspicion andhas seized control of a strip of southern Syriasince he took power. Syria has also become the site of rising tensions betweenIsrael and Turkey— a main backer of al-Sharaa's government — with eac…

Trump Presses Syria to Take on Hezbollah, Raising Alarm in ... Like Follow Followed Add us on By Abby Sewell Published Jun 28, 2026, 9:13 AM EDT Sign in to your Military.com account FILE - In this photo released by Syrian Presidency press office, President Donald Trump, left, shakes hands with Syria's President Ahmad al-Sharaa, at the White House in Washington, Monday, Nov. 10, 2025. Credit: Syrian Presidency press office via AP, File Originally published by Associated Press BEIRUT (AP) — As the White House has soured on Israel’s war with Hezbollah in Lebanon, U.S. President Donald Trump has shocked many in the region by pushing an alternative: Let Syria fight the Iran-backed militant group instead. He has suggested that the battle-hardened and Islamist-led insurgents who overthrew Syria's autocratic President Bashar Assad a year and a half ago and formed a new government would do a better job of rooting out Hezbollah than the Israeli army. Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa has said he has no interest in doing so, and has asserted that Trump’s comments were misconstrued. But Trump has doubled down on the idea. Although it remains unclear how serious the White House is about the pro…

Trump says Syria ‘will do the job’ with Hezbollah if Israel unable Sign in Welcome! Log into your account Forgot your password? Get help Privacy Policy Password recovery Recover your password A password will be e-mailed to you. Trump says Syria ‘will do the job’ with Hezbollah if Israel unable Diplomacy & International Relations Global Eye on ... June 16, 2026 Share Facebook X Pinterest WhatsApp (AFP/Al Arabiya) US President Donald Trump said Tuesday he had suggested to Israel that Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa should deal with Lebanon’s Tehran-backed Hezbollah militia as the Israeli campaign was causing too many casualties. – Trump says Syria ‘will do the job’ with Hezbollah if Israel unable admin http://theglobaleye.it Latest articles Schermaglie politiche e veri decisori / Political struggles and the real decision-makers June 21, 2026 Costruire la pace, in noi June 21, 2026 Leadership fragili e sfide sistemiche / Fragile leadership and systemic challenges June 20, 2026 US military remains ‘vigilant’ after Iran announces Hormuz closure June 20, 2026 Iran says Hormuz Strait closed over Israel attacks on Lebanon June 20, 2026 Iran warns US deal ‘in trouble’ if not implemented s…

Trump tells Israel to let Syria 'take care of Hezbollah' U.S. President Donald Trump suggested that Israel should allow Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa to confront Hezbollah in Lebanon, saying the Syrian president would likely do "a better job" than Israel as he was already demonstrating what Trump called "amazing" governance. "I suggested to Israel to let Syria take care of Hezbollah, because to be honest with you, I think they do a better job," Trump told reporters at the G7 summit in France on Tuesday. "He's not a Boy Scout, but he's done an amazing job of pulling it together, and he is very good with Hezbollah. Does not like them," he added. Trump attributed Sharaa's rise in part to his own policy decisions. "The man that's running Syria now is a person that I put there," he said, adding that Sharaa had been effective "along with President Erdogan and some others" in stabilizing the country in the post-Assad period. "He's doing an amazing job of pulling it together, and he is very good," Trump said. Trump sharpened his criticism of Israeli military conduct in Lebanon, saying the campaign against Hezbollah had dragged on far too long and was resulting in disproportionate…

RT.com17 Jun 2026, 04:04 GMT+10 The conflict in Lebanon has taken West Jerusalem far too long, with far too many civilians killed, the US president has said Syria would do a"better job"fighting the Lebanon-based Hezbollah militant group than Israel, without"killing everyone else,"US President Donald Trump suggested on Tuesday, in a rare public criticism of Israel. West Jerusalem sent its troops into southern Lebanon to battle Hezbollah in the wake of the US-Israeli attack on Iran. Despite a supposed ceasefire, and with Tehran making an end to the war in Lebanon one of its key demands in negotiations with the US, the Israeli onslaught in the country continues and has even gained momentum in recent weeks. Trump lamented West Jerusalem's approach to the conflict, including its routine aerial attacks on densely populated areas, suggesting that neighboring Syria could do a"better job"against the group. READ MORE:'Trump has sold us out': Israelis react with anger and anxiety to new Iran deal "Israel is fighting Hezbollah for too long, and too many people are being killed. And you don't have to knock down an apartment house every time you're looking for somebody. Because there are a…

Why Donald Trump Wants Syria To Fight Hezbollah Instead Of Israel The ongoing war in Lebanon just took an bizarre diplomatic turn. Standing alongside the Emir of Qatar at the G7 summit in France, US President Donald Trump dropped a foreign policy bombshell that left seasoned Middle East analysts scratching their heads. He suggested that Israel should step aside and let Syria fight Hezbollah instead. It sounds like wild fiction, but it's exactly what happened. Trump expressed deep impatience with the pace and human cost of Israel's military campaign in Lebanon. He explicitly argued that Damascus would do a better job cleaning up the militant group. This unexpected proposal isn't just casual rhetoric. It reveals a massive, growing rift between Washington and Jerusalem over how to end the conflict with Iran and its proxies. The Real Reason Behind Trump's Frustration With Netanyahu For months, the White House has focused heavily on securing a massive regional deal with Iran. A temporary truce opened up the crucial Strait of Hormuz, bringing brief relief to a global energy market completely upended by fifteen weeks of direct conflict. But while Washington tries to lock down a permanent…

Trump floats Syrian role against Hezbollah, reviving questions of ... US President Donald Trump said Syria could help address the threat posed by Hezbollah in Lebanon, praising President Ahmad Al Shara 's leadership while calling for more targeted military action against the Iran-backed militant group. The remarks are likely to fuel concerns about a potential push for Syria to get involved in Lebanon again, with a possible incursion from the east to fight Hezbollah . Mr Trump said he wanted to see a "better life" for Lebanon, adding that the US could assist in that effort or recommend Syria as a potential partner. "I’d like to see Lebanon have a better life, I’d like to see a more surgical attack on Hezbollah," Mr Trump said in an interview with NBC News last weekend. "I think it should be more surgical. And we can help them with that, or we can recommend Syria. Syria’s doing a very good job of cleaning up their act. They have a very good leader. They have a leader that’s really done a good job in a short period of time. And he would love to help." Damascus has not commented publicly on the US President's remarks. Reports emerged earlier this year that Washington was seeking to pe…

RT.com17 Jun 2026, 04:04 GMT+10 The conflict in Lebanon has taken West Jerusalem far too long, with far too many civilians killed, the US president has said Syria would do a"better job"fighting the Lebanon-based Hezbollah militant group than Israel, without"killing everyone else,"US President Donald Trump suggested on Tuesday, in a rare public criticism of Israel. West Jerusalem sent its troops into southern Lebanon to battle Hezbollah in the wake of the US-Israeli attack on Iran. Despite a supposed ceasefire, and with Tehran making an end to the war in Lebanon one of its key demands in negotiations with the US, the Israeli onslaught in the country continues and has even gained momentum in recent weeks. Trump lamented West Jerusalem's approach to the conflict, including its routine aerial attacks on densely populated areas, suggesting that neighboring Syria could do a"better job"against the group. READ MORE:'Trump has sold us out': Israelis react with anger and anxiety to new Iran deal "Israel is fighting Hezbollah for too long, and too many people are being killed. And you don't have to knock down an apartment house every time you're looking for somebody. Because there are a…

Trump says Netanyahu could use 'softer touch' in Lebanon <p>EVIAN-LES-BAINS, France, June 17 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu could use a "softer touch" in Lebanon in comments made at the close of a G7 summit in France.</p><p>Netanyahu and Trump have repeatedly clashed over Israel's refusal to constrain its pursuit of Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon, where a cessation of hostilities is a key Iranian demand.</p><p>"Netanyahu happens to be a good man, gets a little excited sometimes," Trump told reporters on Wednesday.</p>

Sharaa rules out Syria intervening in Lebanon after Trump again suggests it fight Hezbollah <p>'I'm close to giving it over to Syria,' US president says of war with Iran-backed terror group; Netanyahu defends buffer zone as Lebanon conflict threatens to derail Iran talks</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/sharaa-rules-out-syria-intervening-in-lebanon-after-trump-again-suggests-it-fight-hezbollah/">Sharaa rules out Syria intervening in Lebanon after Trump again suggests it fight Hezbollah</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com">The Times of Israel</a>.</p> <figure><img src="https://static-cdn.toi-media.com/www/uploads/2026/05/AP26114379905617-1024x640.jpg" title="Sharaa rules out Syria intervening in Lebanon after Trump again suggests it fight Hezbollah" border="0" width="160" height="100" class="type:primaryImage"></figure>

Syrian FM says Damascus open to meeting Hezbollah, after Trump said it should fight group <p>Asaad al-Shaibani visits Lebanon, meets President Aoun and Hezbollah-allied parliament speaker Berri, after Israel, Syria and Lebanon rejected US suggestion</p> <p>The post <a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com/syrian-fm-says-damascus-open-to-meeting-hezbollah-after-trump-said-it-should-fight-group/">Syrian FM says Damascus open to meeting Hezbollah, after Trump said it should fight group</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.timesofisrael.com">The Times of Israel</a>.</p> <figure><img src="https://static-cdn.toi-media.com/www/uploads/2026/07/AFP__20260702__B8ZK6AA__v1__HighRes__LebanonSyriaDiplomacy-1024x640.jpg" title="Syrian FM says Damascus open to meeting Hezbollah, after Trump said it should fight group" border="0" width="160" height="100" class="type:primaryImage"></figure>

RT.com17 Jun 2026, 04:04 GMT+10 The conflict in Lebanon has taken West Jerusalem far too long, with far too many civilians killed, the US president has said Syria would do a"better job"fighting the Lebanon-based Hezbollah militant group than Israel, without"killing everyone else,"US President Donald Trump suggested on Tuesday, in a rare public criticism of Israel. West Jerusalem sent its troops into southern Lebanon to battle Hezbollah in the wake of the US-Israeli attack on Iran. Despite a supposed ceasefire, and with Tehran making an end to the war in Lebanon one of its key demands in negotiations with the US, the Israeli onslaught in the country continues and has even gained momentum in recent weeks. Trump lamented West Jerusalem's approach to the conflict, including its routine aerial attacks on densely populated areas, suggesting that neighboring Syria could do a"better job"against the group. READ MORE:'Trump has sold us out': Israelis react with anger and anxiety to new Iran deal "Israel is fighting Hezbollah for too long, and too many people are being killed. And you don't have to knock down an apartment house every time you're looking for somebody. Because there are a…

Trump wants Syria to fight Hezbollah, alarming Lebanon and Israel In this photo released by Syrian Presidency press office, President Donald Trump, left, shakes hands with Syria’s President Ahmad al-Sharaa, at the White House in Washington, Monday, Nov. 10, 2025. (Syrian Presidency press office via AP, File) Syria’s President Ahmed al-Sharaa waves as he greets supporters outside of the White House, Monday, Nov. 10, 2025, in Washington, following a meeting with President Donald Trump. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File) BEIRUT (AP) — As the White House has soured onIsrael’s war with Hezbollahin Lebanon, U.S. PresidentDonald Trumphas shocked many in the region by pushing an alternative: Let Syria fight the Iran-backed militant group instead. He has suggested that the battle-hardened and Islamist-led insurgents whooverthrew Syria’s autocratic President Bashar Assada year and a half ago and formed a new government would do a better job of rooting out Hezbollah than the Israeli army. Syrian President Ahmad al-Sharaa has said he has no interest in doing so, and has asserted that Trump’s comments were misconstrued. But Trump has doubled down on the idea. Although it remains unclear ho…

On Tuesday (16 June), Trump said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu needed "to be more responsible with respect to Lebanon". Speaking at the G7 summit in France, Trump also said that Israel had been fighting Hezbollah for "too long and too many people are being killed".

Trump Discusses Hezbollah with Syrian Leader Amid Israel Criticism Published byGlobal Banking & Finance Review Posted on June 17, 2026 · Last updated: June 17, 2026 By Steve Holland EVIAN-LES-BAINS, France, June 17 (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he had spoken to Syria's leader about combatting Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon, a day after criticizing Israel for killing too many civilians and not getting the job done. Asked at a Group of Seven summit in Evian-les-Bains, France, if he had talked to Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa about Hezbollah, Trump nodded and said "yes." Asked if Sharaa was willing to take on the Shi'ite armed group, Trump said he would talk about that later. The remark came after Trump criticized Israel's tactics in fighting Hezbollah while praising Sharaa, who took power in Syria in 2025 after years of civil war and has moved cautiously since U.S.-Israeli strikes on Iran in late February. "I consider that (Lebanon) the minor war, Iran’s a big one, but we have that little pinprick out there that constantly rears its head, and that's Hezbollah," Trump told reporters on Tuesday on the sidelines of the summit. Trump has strongly…

Trump told Israel to let Syria attack Hezbollah in Lebanon US President Donald Trump said he wanted Syria to invade Lebanon to fight Hezbollah, saying that President Ahmed al-Sharaa’s forces could have done a better job against the group than Israel. "Israel's fighting Hezbollah too long and too many people are being killed...I suggested to Israel to let Syria take care of Hezbollah," Trump told reporters sitting alongside Qatar’s ruler on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in Evian, France. "He's very capable," he said, referring to Sharaa. “If Israel can’t do the job, without killing everyone else, he’ll do the job. Syria will do the job,” Trump added. Trump’s remarks are the second time this month that he has mulled the idea of Damascus intervening in Lebanon - a move that would likely reopen a historical tinderbox given Syria’s 1976 invasion of Lebanon and partial occupation of the country until 2005. Trump said on 7 June that Sharaa “would love to help” in Lebanon. The US president has often showered praise on Sharaa, describing him as “a very strong leader…a tough guy”. New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, al…

Trump Calls For 'Good Judgment' As Israel Battles Hezbollah: A Game ... Recent statements by President Donald Trump highlight a notable shift in the narrative surrounding the Israeli-Hezbollah conflict. Meeting with India’s Prime Minister, Trump underscored a crucial point: while Israel has every right to defend itself, it must also employ “good judgment” in its military actions. This arises from ongoing concerns about the toll on civilians as violence continues in the region. Since the conflict reignited on October 8, 2023, President Trump has expressed frustration regarding the lack of decisive outcomes. His tone indicates a desire for Israel to maintain its defensive capabilities while urging it to consider the broader implications of its military strategy. Civilians and the political landscape find their fates intertwined in this complex situation. Trump further elaborated on his position in a social media statement when asked if he believes Israel should pause its military efforts. He firmly stated, “No, I want Israel to be able to protect themselves, but I do want them to use good judgment.” This assertion captures the essence of his argument: a balance must be struck betwee…

Syria rules out intervention in Lebanon, Al-Sharaa rejects military ... June 22, 2026 09:37 Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has ruled out any possibility of military intervention by Syria in the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, rejecting recent suggestions by US President Donald Trump about a possible role for Damascus in regional developments. Trump's statements, made in an interview with Fox News, were published at a time when tensions in Lebanon are rising and US-Iran negotiations in Switzerland are facing new uncertainties. The US president expressed dissatisfaction with both Israel's handling of the conflict and its ability to quickly neutralize Hezbollah, which he called an Iranian-backed organization. Trump also criticized Israeli military operations, stating that they have caused great destruction and civilian casualties in Lebanon, while adding that the situation is negatively affecting diplomatic efforts with Tehran. In the same vein, US Vice President JD Vance has also expressed reservations about Israel's approach to the conflict, warning that escalation could damage talks with Iran that are taking place in Switzerland. On the other hand, Israeli P…

RT.com17 Jun 2026, 04:04 GMT+10 The conflict in Lebanon has taken West Jerusalem far too long, with far too many civilians killed, the US president has said Syria would do a"better job"fighting the Lebanon-based Hezbollah militant group than Israel, without"killing everyone else,"US President Donald Trump suggested on Tuesday, in a rare public criticism of Israel. West Jerusalem sent its troops into southern Lebanon to battle Hezbollah in the wake of the US-Israeli attack on Iran. Despite a supposed ceasefire, and with Tehran making an end to the war in Lebanon one of its key demands in negotiations with the US, the Israeli onslaught in the country continues and has even gained momentum in recent weeks. Trump lamented West Jerusalem's approach to the conflict, including its routine aerial attacks on densely populated areas, suggesting that neighboring Syria could do a"better job"against the group. READ MORE:'Trump has sold us out': Israelis react with anger and anxiety to new Iran deal "Israel is fighting Hezbollah for too long, and too many people are being killed. And you don't have to knock down an apartment house every time you're looking for somebody. Because there are a…

RT.com17 Jun 2026, 04:04 GMT+10 The conflict in Lebanon has taken West Jerusalem far too long, with far too many civilians killed, the US president has said Syria would do a"better job"fighting the Lebanon-based Hezbollah militant group than Israel, without"killing everyone else,"US President Donald Trump suggested on Tuesday, in a rare public criticism of Israel. West Jerusalem sent its troops into southern Lebanon to battle Hezbollah in the wake of the US-Israeli attack on Iran. Despite a supposed ceasefire, and with Tehran making an end to the war in Lebanon one of its key demands in negotiations with the US, the Israeli onslaught in the country continues and has even gained momentum in recent weeks. Trump lamented West Jerusalem's approach to the conflict, including its routine aerial attacks on densely populated areas, suggesting that neighboring Syria could do a"better job"against the group. READ MORE:'Trump has sold us out': Israelis react with anger and anxiety to new Iran deal "Israel is fighting Hezbollah for too long, and too many people are being killed. And you don't have to knock down an apartment house every time you're looking for somebody. Because there are a…

Trump says he talked to Syrian leader about taking on Hezbollah Trump says he talked to Syrian leader about taking on Hezbollah Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox FILE PHOTO: U.S. President Donald Trump arrives to attend a musical interlude before a gala dinner as part of the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, France, June 16, 2026. Ludovic Marin/Pool via REUTERS/File Photo Published Jun 17, 2026, 10:19 PM Updated Jun 17, 2026, 10:19 PM Listen EVIAN-LES-BAINS, France, June 17 - U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday he had spoken to Syria's leader about combatting Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon, a day after criticizing Israel for killing too many civilians and not getting the job done. Asked at a Group of Seven summit in Evian-les-Bains, France, if he had talked to Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa about Hezbollah, Trump nodded and said "yes." Asked if Sharaa was willing to take on the Shi'ite armed group, Trump said he would talk about that later. The remark came after Trump criticized Israel's tactics in fighting Hezbollah while praising Sharaa, who took power in Syria in 2025 after years of civil war and has moved cautiously since U.S.-Israeli strikes …

Trump intensifies pressure on Netanyahu over Lebanon attacks The US president levels more criticism at Israel's prime minister and suggests asking Syria to take on Hezbollah "if Israel can't do the job without killing everyone else".

Trump says Israel's Lebanon war taking 'too long' and Syria could do ... US President Donald Trump has criticised Israel's prolonged war in Lebanon , where “too many people are being killed”, suggesting Syria could instead “take care of Hezbollah”. Speaking to reporters at the G7 summit in the French spa town of Evian-les-Bains, Mr Trump said he “didn't like” Israel's latest strike on Beirut, which occurred just hours before a deal was announced to end the US-Iran war. “I didn't like that two hours before we signed the agreement that there was an attack in Lebanon, in Beirut. I didn't like that, not at all,” Mr Trump said. He said he had shared his concerns with Israeli officials. US-Iran deal hands Tehran a major win, at least in the short term Read More Arrow Mr Trump offered a rare rebuke of Israel's attacks on civilians in Lebanon, suggesting that Syria could do a “better job” at fighting Hezbollah – an idea that he has floated before, despite Damascus rejecting the proposal. At least 3,783 people have been killed in Israeli strikes across Lebanon since fighting resumed in early March, according to Lebanese authorities. Washington has attempted to broker and implement several …

RT.com17 Jun 2026, 04:04 GMT+10 The conflict in Lebanon has taken West Jerusalem far too long, with far too many civilians killed, the US president has said Syria would do a"better job"fighting the Lebanon-based Hezbollah militant group than Israel, without"killing everyone else,"US President Donald Trump suggested on Tuesday, in a rare public criticism of Israel. West Jerusalem sent its troops into southern Lebanon to battle Hezbollah in the wake of the US-Israeli attack on Iran. Despite a supposed ceasefire, and with Tehran making an end to the war in Lebanon one of its key demands in negotiations with the US, the Israeli onslaught in the country continues and has even gained momentum in recent weeks. Trump lamented West Jerusalem's approach to the conflict, including its routine aerial attacks on densely populated areas, suggesting that neighboring Syria could do a"better job"against the group. READ MORE:'Trump has sold us out': Israelis react with anger and anxiety to new Iran deal "Israel is fighting Hezbollah for too long, and too many people are being killed. And you don't have to knock down an apartment house every time you're looking for somebody. Because there are a…

Trump criticizes Netanyahu's handling of Lebanon war The president said Netanyahu must be ‘more responsible’ on Lebanon and suggested Israel step back and let Syria confront Hezbollah SAUL LOEB/AFP via Getty Images President Donald Trump shakes hands with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a meeting in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on April 7, 2025. President Donald Trump expressed disappointment on Tuesday with Israel’s recent military actions in response to Hezbollah, criticizing a strike on a Hezbollah stronghold in Beirut as “vicious” and suggesting that Israel step back and let Syria handle the fight against the Iranian-backed terror group. Speaking with the Qatari emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani on the sidelines of the G7 summit in France, TrumpcriticizedIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s handling of Israel’s northern front, suggesting that the IDF’s response was unnecessary and disproportionate. “I didn’t like that he [Netanyahu] did an attack based on … a very minor little thing with some drones that were released,” Trump said, referring to a Hezbollahdrone strikeon northern Israeli communities on Sunday. “I saw that…

Trump says he may remove Syria from state sponsors of terrorism list <article data-history-node-id="443812" about="https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/trump-says-he-may-remove-syria-state-sponsors-terrorism-list" class="live-blog-update default clearfix"> <h2> <a href="https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/trump-says-he-may-remove-syria-state-sponsors-terrorism-list" rel="bookmark"> <span class="field field-title">Trump says he may remove Syria from state sponsors of terrorism list</span> </a> </h2> <div class="content"> <div class="field field-field-text"><p>"I think I will," the US president said when asked&nbsp;whether he would remove Syria from the United States' list of designated state sponsors of terrorism.</p> <p>Trump also says he has lifted sanctions placed on Syria and commended Damascus for becoming stable, Al Jazeera reported.</p> <p>The US president also again suggested Syria “could help with Hezbollah” in Lebanon.</p> <p>Last month, Trump told reporters on the sidelines of the G7 summit in France that he wanted Syria to invade Lebanon to fight Hezbollah.</p> <p>"Israel…

TRUMP SLAMS ISRAEL: Dislikes Way They Bomb Lebanon, Suggests Syria ... President Trump slammed Israel’s handling of its war against Hezbollah on Tuesday, saying the fighting has dragged on too long, resulted in too many civilian casualties, and should ultimately be handled by Syria instead. Speaking at the G7 summit in France, Trump said Israel’s operations against the Iran-backed terror group have continued for too long and suggested the civilian death toll is damaging international support. “Israel is fighting Hezbollah too long and too many people are being killed,” Trump said. “And you don’t have to knock down an apartment house every time you’re looking for somebody. Because there are a lot of people in those apartment houses. And they’re not all Hezbollah, that I can tell you.” “They should have been able to do the job faster. It just goes on forever. And when that happens, it throws a negative light on the big deal, and that’s the deal with Iran,” he said, referring to the recently announced U.S.-Iran agreement. “I didn’t like where, two hours before we’re signing the agreement, that there was an attack in Lebanon, in Beirut,” Trump said. Trump went on to suggest that …

RT.com17 Jun 2026, 04:04 GMT+10 The conflict in Lebanon has taken West Jerusalem far too long, with far too many civilians killed, the US president has said Syria would do a"better job"fighting the Lebanon-based Hezbollah militant group than Israel, without"killing everyone else,"US President Donald Trump suggested on Tuesday, in a rare public criticism of Israel. West Jerusalem sent its troops into southern Lebanon to battle Hezbollah in the wake of the US-Israeli attack on Iran. Despite a supposed ceasefire, and with Tehran making an end to the war in Lebanon one of its key demands in negotiations with the US, the Israeli onslaught in the country continues and has even gained momentum in recent weeks. Trump lamented West Jerusalem's approach to the conflict, including its routine aerial attacks on densely populated areas, suggesting that neighboring Syria could do a"better job"against the group. READ MORE:'Trump has sold us out': Israelis react with anger and anxiety to new Iran deal "Israel is fighting Hezbollah for too long, and too many people are being killed. And you don't have to knock down an apartment house every time you're looking for somebody. Because there are a…

RT.com17 Jun 2026, 04:04 GMT+10 The conflict in Lebanon has taken West Jerusalem far too long, with far too many civilians killed, the US president has said Syria would do a"better job"fighting the Lebanon-based Hezbollah militant group than Israel, without"killing everyone else,"US President Donald Trump suggested on Tuesday, in a rare public criticism of Israel. West Jerusalem sent its troops into southern Lebanon to battle Hezbollah in the wake of the US-Israeli attack on Iran. Despite a supposed ceasefire, and with Tehran making an end to the war in Lebanon one of its key demands in negotiations with the US, the Israeli onslaught in the country continues and has even gained momentum in recent weeks. Trump lamented West Jerusalem's approach to the conflict, including its routine aerial attacks on densely populated areas, suggesting that neighboring Syria could do a"better job"against the group. READ MORE:'Trump has sold us out': Israelis react with anger and anxiety to new Iran deal "Israel is fighting Hezbollah for too long, and too many people are being killed. And you don't have to knock down an apartment house every time you're looking for somebody. Because there are a…

In Türkiye's 'House of Photos', the World as Seen Through the Lens of ... How Damascus, Beirut and Tel Aviv View Trump’s Call for Syrian Intervention in Lebanon US President Donald Trump’s repeated remarks in recent days that he had asked President Ahmed Al-Sharaa to have Syria intervene against Hezbollah in Lebanon have been met with rejection in Damascus, concern in Beirut, and little serious consideration in Tel Aviv. Syria, which dominated Lebanon after sending its forces there in 1976, appears to have no intention of repeating that experience today. “We view our role through supporting the Lebanese state’s exercise of its authority,” Ahmed Zeidan, media adviser to the Syrian president, told Asharq Al-Awsat in an exclusive statement. Israel, meanwhile, views Trump’s proposal as unserious and as a pointed jab at Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, which has been unable to conclude the war against Hezbollah without inflicting widespread destruction on Lebanon. Although Tel Aviv does not appear concerned about an imminent Syrian military intervention in Lebanon, it believes that any such move would also mean an expansion of Turkish influence. According to Israeli Diaspora Affairs Mi…

President Trump: Netanyahu has been a 'great wartime prime minister ... President Trump: Netanyahu has been a 'great wartime prime minister' Speaking alongside Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa, President Trump praises PM Netanyahu’s wartime leadership, saying Israel’s security depended on strong leadership, while discussing Syria, Turkey, Lebanon, and regional developments. Israel National News Jul 8, 2026, 6:26 PM (GMT+3) Lebanon Syria NATO Donald Trump Benjamin Netanyahu 2 minutes President Donald Trump met on Wednesday with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa on the sidelines of a NATO Summit, and stated that Syria has undergone a dramatic transformation following his decision to lift sanctions on the country. The two also discussed the future of Syria, Israel’s security concerns, relations between Israel and Lebanon, and Trump's close cooperation with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump praised the decision to remove sanctions from Syria and said the move, combined with regional support, would help the Syrian people move forward. “The historic decision that President Trump has taken by lifting the sanctions of Syria, as well as the help of friendly countries and loving count…

RT.com17 Jun 2026, 04:04 GMT+10 The conflict in Lebanon has taken West Jerusalem far too long, with far too many civilians killed, the US president has said Syria would do a"better job"fighting the Lebanon-based Hezbollah militant group than Israel, without"killing everyone else,"US President Donald Trump suggested on Tuesday, in a rare public criticism of Israel. West Jerusalem sent its troops into southern Lebanon to battle Hezbollah in the wake of the US-Israeli attack on Iran. Despite a supposed ceasefire, and with Tehran making an end to the war in Lebanon one of its key demands in negotiations with the US, the Israeli onslaught in the country continues and has even gained momentum in recent weeks. Trump lamented West Jerusalem's approach to the conflict, including its routine aerial attacks on densely populated areas, suggesting that neighboring Syria could do a"better job"against the group. READ MORE:'Trump has sold us out': Israelis react with anger and anxiety to new Iran deal "Israel is fighting Hezbollah for too long, and too many people are being killed. And you don't have to knock down an apartment house every time you're looking for somebody. Because there are a…

RT.com17 Jun 2026, 04:04 GMT+10 The conflict in Lebanon has taken West Jerusalem far too long, with far too many civilians killed, the US president has said Syria would do a"better job"fighting the Lebanon-based Hezbollah militant group than Israel, without"killing everyone else,"US President Donald Trump suggested on Tuesday, in a rare public criticism of Israel. West Jerusalem sent its troops into southern Lebanon to battle Hezbollah in the wake of the US-Israeli attack on Iran. Despite a supposed ceasefire, and with Tehran making an end to the war in Lebanon one of its key demands in negotiations with the US, the Israeli onslaught in the country continues and has even gained momentum in recent weeks. Trump lamented West Jerusalem's approach to the conflict, including its routine aerial attacks on densely populated areas, suggesting that neighboring Syria could do a"better job"against the group. READ MORE:'Trump has sold us out': Israelis react with anger and anxiety to new Iran deal "Israel is fighting Hezbollah for too long, and too many people are being killed. And you don't have to knock down an apartment house every time you're looking for somebody. Because there are a…

Al-Sharaa rules out Syrian intervention in Lebanon after Trump remarks ... Home > World Al-Sharaa rules out Syrian intervention in Lebanon after Trump remarks June 22, 2026 | 07:31 AM President Ahmed al-Sharaa June 22, 2026 | 07:31 AM Agencies Last Updated: June 22, 2026 | 07:57 AM 3 minute read A A Resize DAMASCUS — Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has ruled out the possibility of his country intervening militarily in the Israel-Hezbollah conflict in Lebanon after US President Donald Trump repeatedly suggested Damascus could get involved. Trump’s comments to Fox News on Sunday came as the conflict in Lebanon has threatened to derail US-Iranian negotiations underway in Switzerland. “We are looking for economic channels between Lebanon and Syria, not military ones,” Sharaa said in an interview broadcast on television channel Al Mashhad on Sunday. Trump and US Vice President JD Vance have both repeatedly complained about Israel’s conduct in Lebanon, portraying it as a possible spoiler of the talks with Iran. Trump lashed out at Hezbollah in a social media post earlier on Sunday, but has chided Israel both for civilian casualties in its Lebanon strikes, and for not defeating Hezbolla…

Israel-Lebanon conflict: Donald Trump criticises Netanyahu's strategy ... Washington:US President Donald Trump says he told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that Syria should take responsibility for combatting the terrorist group Hezbollah in Lebanon because Israel’s campaign had been too violent and cost too many lives. The revelation comes ata strained time in the relationshipbetween the close allies, as Trump pursuesa deal with Iranthat ends the war but leaves manysubstantial questions unanswered, and Netanyahu vows to keep troops in Lebanon and continue the fight against Hezbollah. Israel persisted with strikes targeting the Iranian proxy despite a ceasefire being agreed in April. A report by Human Rights Watch last week said at least 3711 people had been killed by Israeli attacks in Lebanon since March 2, including 1417 during the ceasefire, citing Lebanon’s Health Ministry. Speaking ahead of a bilateral meeting with the Emir of Qatar at the G7 in France, Trump said he suggested to Netanyahu that Syria should be entrusted to deal with Hezbollah, not Israel, and would do a better job. “Israel is fighting Hezbollah too long and too many people are being killed,” he…