Trump curbs Israel across multiple fronts, Israeli media reports

Israeli television has reported that US President Donald Trump is placing increasing restrictions on Israel not only in Lebanon, but across multiple fronts, with growing US limitations on both the Israeli military and government.

According to the report, Israel’s political leadership has issued new instructions to the military regarding what is permitted in Lebanon. Under the guidelines, Israeli forces are allowed to operate freely within the so-called yellow line and to counter immediate threats, but are prohibited from carrying out operations in Beirut and Tyre.

A senior Israeli official told Israel’s Channel 13: “The message we have received from the Americans in recent weeks is clear: you had permission to operate without restrictions, and that period is over.”

Israeli Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir held a meeting on Monday evening with senior military officials to discuss developments in the Gaza Strip and what Israel describes as Hamas’ growing military capabilities.

A proposal discussed during the meeting recommended launching a military operation aimed at disarming Hamas, with the scale of the operation to be determined by the political leadership. However, concerns were reportedly raised that Trump could block any major move and support greater flexibility towards Hamas on issues related to its disarmament.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also said: “I reaffirm that we will remain in the security zone in southern Lebanon for as long as necessary to protect the residents of the north and all citizens of the country.”

The report comes as the first round of talks between the United States and Iran concluded. Following the discussions, mediators Qatar and Pakistan announced the creation of a “conflict prevention cell in Lebanon”, without Israeli representation.

READ: Report: US-mediated Lebanon-Israel talks to address possible Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon