President Trump criticizes Netanyahu and calls for restraint following Israeli strike in Beirut

On June 14, 2026, U.S. President Donald Trump expressed strong frustration with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu following an Israeli military strike in the Dahieh suburb of Beirut. Trump, who is currently negotiating a major peace agreement with Iran, labeled the strike as a mistake that occurred just as a deal was imminent. While acknowledging Israel's right to defend itself, Trump described the preceding Hezbollah attack that triggered the Israeli response as minor and warned that such escalations jeopardize the diplomatic process. Reports from Fox News and Axios suggest Trump confronted Netanyahu directly over the phone, questioning his judgment for timing the operation so close to a regional settlement. Meanwhile, Iranian negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf criticized the U.S. for failing to prevent the strike, and Israeli officials reported that Iran rejected initial U.S. incentive offers meant to deter retaliation. Trump has publicly appealed to both Israel and Hezbollah to cease hostilities to secure a lasting regional peace.