US President Donald Trump condemned Israeli strikes on the southern suburbs of Beirut on Sunday, calling the attacks “unnecessary” and urging all parties to cease hostilities amid ongoing efforts to secure a regional peace agreement. The strikes, which killed three people, were carried out by Israel in response to what it described as Hezbollah’s fire into northern Israel earlier that day.
Trump emphasized that the exchange of attacks “should not have happened,” particularly on what he referred to as a “special day,” likely alluding to his 80th birthday and prior statements indicating that a framework peace deal was expected to be signed on Sunday. In remarks posted on social media, he stressed that the violence must not derail progress toward peace, stating, “There should be no more attacks by Israel anywhere in Lebanon, but there should also be no more attacks by any other party, including Hezbollah, against Israel.” He described the threat Israel faced as “very small and meaningless” and highlighted Israel’s right to defend itself while urging restraint.
The Israeli military reported that three suspected Hezbollah drones struck northern Israel earlier on Sunday, though no casualties were reported. Hezbollah denied involvement in attacks on northern Israel but claimed several assaults on Israeli forces operating in southern Lebanon. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other officials have warned that Israel will respond with strikes against southern Beirut if Hezbollah continues to threaten northern Israeli communities, a position reportedly supported by Washington.
On the diplomatic front, Trump reiterated his assertion that a near-complete deal with Iran was imminent, aimed at bringing peace to the region, including Lebanon. However, Iran’s chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf expressed skepticism following the Beirut strike, asserting there was “no point” in continuing negotiations with the United States unless a ceasefire in Lebanon was guaranteed as part of any agreement.
The developments underscore the fragility of the peace efforts, with escalating violence in Lebanon complicating the diplomatic process. While the U.S. administration pushes for de-escalation from all sides and presses on with talks, the incidents on Sunday highlight the ongoing tensions between Israel, Hezbollah, and Iran, raising questions about the prospects for a swift resolution in the region.