ALBAWABA- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for the disarmament of Hezbollah and the broader demilitarization of Lebanon during an interview with CNBC on Wednesday, while seeking to downplay reports of tensions with U.S. President Donald Trump over Israel's military operations in Lebanon.
Netanyahu argued that lasting stability on Israel's northern border would require the removal of Hezbollah's military capabilities and a restructuring of Lebanon's security landscape. He accused Hezbollah of serving as an Iranian proxy force that threatens both Lebanese and Israeli civilians through cross-border attacks.
"If we want to save Lebanon and achieve peace between Lebanon and Israel, we have to disarm Hezbollah and demilitarize Lebanon," Netanyahu said, adding that he believed this objective was shared by President Trump.
The Israeli leader also warned Iran against further escalation, describing Tehran as "playing with fire" following recent regional tensions and signaling that Israel and its allies remain prepared to respond to any perceived threats.
Netanyahu's comments came amid reports of a tense exchange with President Trump earlier this week regarding Israel's military activities in Lebanon. According to U.S. and Israeli media reports, Trump voiced strong opposition to planned Israeli strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs, expressing concern that further escalation could undermine ongoing diplomatic efforts in the region.
Speaking on a podcast interview, Trump acknowledged being frustrated by the situation and confirmed reports that he had strongly criticized Netanyahu during their conversation. The White House has reportedly been working to preserve broader regional negotiations and prevent a further deterioration of security conditions along the Israel-Lebanon border.
According to reports, U.S. diplomatic efforts led by Secretary of State Marco Rubio helped secure a temporary arrangement aimed at reducing hostilities, including a halt to planned Israeli strikes and a cessation of rocket attacks from Hezbollah-controlled areas.
Despite the reported disagreement, Netanyahu insisted that relations with Trump remain strong and characterized the dispute as a routine difference of opinion between close allies. He said the two leaders continue to share common strategic goals, particularly regarding Hezbollah and Iran.
The remarks underscore growing differences in emphasis between Washington and Jerusalem. While the Trump administration has focused on containing regional tensions and advancing broader diplomatic initiatives, Netanyahu signaled that Israel remains committed to achieving long-term security objectives in Lebanon, including preventing Hezbollah from maintaining an armed presence along the border.
