Donald Trump appeared to criticise some Israeli strikes on Lebanon as he addressed the media at the end of the G7 summit. During a long press conference marking the end of the high-profile meeting held in France this week, the US President spoke about the Iran deal, as well as the tensions between Hezbollah and Israel.
While he described Israel as a “good partner”, he appeared to criticise some of Tel Aviv’s actions against Lebanese infrastructrure. He said: “I’m not saying they shouldn’t protect themselves. I’m saying when two drones are shot into the desert and drop harmlessly, you don’t have to knock down buildings in Beirut.”
He added: “They could behave better. And frankly, they could do a better job. I love them as a partner. They’re terrific. But they could do a much better job with Hezbollah on that. I don’t think they’re doing well. And I feel very bad for Lebanon.”
The US President also said Lebanon “have been living in hell”. “It was an incredible culture, maybe the highest in the Middle East for years and years, centuries. And for the last 50 or 60 years, they have been just trashed. They have been living in hell,” he said.
Mr Trump’s comments came after he announced a peace deal had been agreed upon. Writing on Truth Social, he said: “I hereby fully authorise the toll-free opening of the Strait of Hormuz, and, simultaneously herewith, authorise the immediate removal of the United States naval blockade. Ships of the world, start your engines. Let the oil flow!”
Pakistan said that the agreement will be officially signed on Friday in Switzerland. The specific points of the agreement are yet to be confirmed by either country, though Iranian state media has detailed the draft of a 14-point memorandum of understanding.
This includes the lifting of the US naval blockade within 30 days and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz within 30 days “under Iranian arrangements”.
The UK and France have led plans for a defensive mission to protect and reassure vessels in the channel once hostilities are over, including the deployment of autonomous mine-hunting equipment. Mr Trump said on Monday he does not believe the US would “need much help” in ensuring the free passage of shipping in the Strait of Hormuz because of the peace deal with Iran.
However, the US president said he did not think it was “a bad idea to have a ship or two” from other countries based in the strategic waterway.
While the deal will halt the conflict, lift the US blockade and reopen the strategic strait, it leaves Iran’s disputed nuclear plans to further negotiations.
Iran’s foreign minister has said the deal to end the war with the US also requires Israel to withdraw from Lebanon. Israel is not part of the agreement.
