Key Facts
US President Donald Trump has publicly criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for ordering a strike on Hezbollah in Beirut just hours before the signing of a landmark US-Iran peace deal. According to a report by Axios, Trump accused Netanyahu of having 'no f*cking judgement' and said the attack delayed the agreement.
Details of the Incident
On Sunday, June 14, 2026, Israel conducted precision aerial strikes on an apartment in southern Beirut, claiming it was a Hezbollah headquarters. The attack killed three people and injured six others. The strike came as the US was on the verge of signing a long-awaited peace deal with Iran, which aims to end the war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
Trump's Reaction
In an interview with Axios, Trump expressed his anger, stating, 'It shook it up. It delayed the signing by a few hours. It was supposed to be now. Now it is scheduled for a few hours from now.' He added, 'It is so bad - I couldn't believe it. An hour before we are supposed to sign the deal.' Trump further said he let Netanyahu know his displeasure, remarking, 'Why did Bibi have to do a f*cking attack? I was so p*ssed off. I let him know. He has no f*cking judgement. I let him know that.'
Impact on the Peace Deal
Despite the setback, Trump insisted the deal is still on track. In a Truth Social post, he wrote, 'We are very close to a Deal that will bring peace to the region, including to Lebanon, and all sides should stand down. 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.'
Iran's Response
Iran has strongly condemned the Israeli attack. General Mohammad Jafar Asadi, deputy commander of Iran's Joint Command Headquarters, was quoted by the official Mizan news agency as saying, 'Without a doubt, these crimes will not go unanswered.' Meanwhile, Iran's top negotiator Mohammad Ghalibaf posted on X that there was 'no point' in talking to the US 'if you lack the will and ability to fulfill your commitments'.
What Readers Should Know
- The US-Iran peace deal is expected to end hostilities and open the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route.
- Israel's strike targeted a Hezbollah apartment in Beirut, escalating tensions.
- Trump's blunt criticism of Netanyahu highlights growing friction between the allies.
- Iran has threatened retaliation, potentially jeopardizing the fragile peace process.
FAQ
Why did Trump criticize Netanyahu?
Trump said Netanyahu's strike on Hezbollah in Beirut lacked judgment and delayed the US-Iran peace deal by several hours.
What was the target of Israel's strike?
Israel carried out precision airstrikes on an apartment in Beirut that it claimed was a Hezbollah headquarters.
How did Iran react to the strike?
Iran vowed retaliation, with a senior commander saying the crimes will not go unanswered, and the top negotiator questioned the US's ability to fulfill commitments.
Is the US-Iran deal still on track?
Trump said the deal is still on track but was delayed by a few hours due to the Israeli attack.