Israel seeks clarification after Trump “prohibited” Lebanon strikes

Israel sought urgent clarification from the White House after President Donald Trump said Israel was “prohibited” from carrying out airstrikes in Lebanon, according to sources cited by Axios.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his advisers were reportedly shocked by the statement, which they viewed as contradicting the terms of a 10-day ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon announced by Trump on Thursday, April 16.

The deal, published by the State Department, allows Israel to act in self-defence “at any time” against imminent or ongoing threats, while committing not to conduct offensive operations against Lebanese targets.

The suggestion that the U.S. was issuing a binding order to Israel was described by sources as unprecedented. Netanyahu was said to be personally stunned and alarmed.

Trump doubled down on Friday, writing: “Israel will not be bombing Lebanon any longer. They are PROHIBITED from doing so by the U.S.A. Enough is enough!!!” In an interview with Axios, he added: “Israel has to stop. They can't continue to blow buildings up. I am not gonna allow it.”

Israeli officials, including Ambassador to Washington Yechiel Leiter, scrambled to determine whether U.S. policy had changed, noting the remarks conflicted with the agreed terms.

After inquiries from Axios, a U.S. official clarified that the ceasefire bars offensive operations but preserves Israel’s right to self-defence against planned, imminent, or ongoing attacks.

By Tamilla Hasanova