Netanyahu Must Act Responsible with Lebanon Issue says Trump

US President Donald Trump on Tuesday urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to act with greater responsibility regarding Lebanon, criticizing Israel’s recent strike on Beirut while maintaining that relations between the two leaders remain strong.

Speaking alongside Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani during the G7 Summit in France, Trump said he had conveyed his concerns directly to Israeli officials and expressed disapproval of the attack on the Lebanese capital.

“I told Israel that I did not like the attack on Beirut,” Trump told reporters, suggesting that Syria should be responsible for addressing threats posed by Hezbollah rather than Israel carrying out military operations.

Despite the criticism, Trump dismissed suggestions of a rift with Netanyahu, saying the two leaders continue to enjoy a close relationship.

“We have a great relationship,” he said when asked whether he was frustrated with the Israeli prime minister.