‘Enough Is Enough’: Trump States That Israel Is ‘Prohibited’ From Conducting Bombing Operations in Lebanon
Trump prohibits Israel from attacking Lebanon amid rising ceasefire tensions as uncertainty mounts regarding US policy and military actions in the region.
President Donald Trump has stated that Israel is “prohibited” from conducting additional airstrikes in Lebanon, in an unexpected move that has disturbed Israeli officials and sparked new inquiries regarding United States policy in the region.
“Israel will cease its bombing of Lebanon.” They are not allowed to do so by the USA. Enough is enough!!!” Trump stated.
The statement took Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his advisers by surprise, as they had been functioning under ceasefire terms that permitted Israel to react to threats. The comments sparked immediate confusion in Jerusalem, prompting officials to seek clarification from Washington after discovering the directive via media reports.
US officials state that the ceasefire agreement between Israel and Lebanon maintains Israel’s right to self-defense against “planned, imminent, or ongoing attacks,” while also imposing limitations on offensive military operations.
Trump, nonetheless, solidified his stance in later comments.
“Israel must cease its actions. They must not persist in demolishing buildings. ” I will not permit it,” he stated.
Even with the ceasefire in place, violence continues to occur. Lebanese state media reported that an Israeli drone strike resulted in the death of a motorcyclist in the southern town of Kunin shortly after Trump’s statement. An Israeli source, in the meantime, has accused Hezbollah of breaching the truce.
“Our forces acted in self-defense to eliminate the threat, in line with the ceasefire agreement established with the United States and Lebanon,” the source stated.
The recent developments indicate that Iran has signaled a partial de-escalation by announcing the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping amid the fragile ceasefire.
“In accordance with the ceasefire in Lebanon, the route for all commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz is officially declared fully open for the duration of the ceasefire,” stated Abbas Araghchi.
Nonetheless, Iranian authorities upheld restrictions on military vessels, suggesting that tensions in the region persist without resolution.
Trump expressed approval of Iran’s decision while underscoring that pressure on Tehran would persist.
“THANK YOU!” he posted, later adding, “The naval blockade will remain in full force and effect as it pertains to Iran, only, until our transaction with Iran is fully completed.”
He also characterized the development as “A GREAT AND BRILLIANT DAY FOR THE WORLD!” and asserted that Iran had consented to the waterway, which “will no longer be used as a weapon against the world.”
The Strait of Hormuz, responsible for approximately one-fifth of global oil shipments, plays a crucial role in the global energy markets. The reopening has led to a decline in oil prices, reflecting a sense of cautious optimism regarding the easing of regional tensions.
In Israel, authorities have started to ease wartime restrictions to enable civilian movement and the resumption of economic activity. Nonetheless, Netanyahu indicated that military operations against Hezbollah are still ongoing.
“The job is not yet complete.” He stated, “We have plans in place to tackle the ongoing rocket threat and the drone threat.”
