US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are reported to be at odds over how the war unfolding across Lebanon and against Iran should proceed, despite previously coordinating closely. Multiple reports say Trump publicly cautions Israel against striking Beirut in its campaign against Iran-backed Hezbollah. Israel carries out the Beirut-related strike anyway, and Iran responds on Sunday by firing ballistic missiles at Israel—its first such attack since an April ceasefire. Israel then strikes Iran. While fighting reportedly eases afterward, the underlying differences between the two leaders are described as likely to continue.
The accounts describe contrasting priorities. Trump is portrayed as seeking to wind down an unpopular conflict and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a move he links to easing gas prices amid an election cycle later this year. Iran’s position, as reported, emphasizes that a full ceasefire in Lebanon is necessary for any broader agreement. Netanyahu, also facing elections later this year, is described as facing domestic and regional pressure to stop Hezbollah attacks and demonstrate progress against Iran and its allies, while maintaining close relations with the United States.
