Trump Says Israeli Strike on Beirut “Should Not Have Happened,” Calls for Immediate De-escalation

Washington: Former U.S. President Donald Trump has said that the recent Israeli airstrike on Beirut’s southern suburb of Dahieh should not have taken place, urging all parties involved to step back immediately amid rising regional tensions.

Following Israeli bombardment of Beirut, which reportedly killed three people, Trump issued an unusual message addressing both Iran and Israel, stressing that ongoing diplomatic efforts must not be derailed. He warned that continued escalation could jeopardize what he described as a near-finalized peace arrangement.

Trump strongly criticized the timing and justification of the Israeli strike, stating that the incident being used as a pretext for retaliation was minor and resulted in no injuries or significant damage. He questioned the proportionality of the response, calling it unnecessary.

While affirming Israel’s right to self-defense, he urged restraint and called on all sides to avoid further escalation. He also appealed to Iran and its allied groups, including Hezbollah, to halt attacks on Israel in order to preserve what he described as a historic opportunity for peace in the region.

Trump further claimed that a comprehensive agreement was close to completion, which could bring lasting stability not only to Lebanon but to the broader Middle East.

He concluded by demanding an immediate halt to further Israeli strikes in Lebanon and called on all parties, including Hezbollah, to cease hostilities and withdraw from further confrontation.