Trump stresses Israel can strike Hezbollah in self-defense: ‘They’re going to do it carefully, and they’ll be surgical’

WASHINGTON — After extending the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah by three weeks, US President Donald Trump says Israel reserves the right to strike Lebanese targets in self-defense.

“Israel is going to have to defend itself if they are shot at… but they’re going to do it carefully, and they’ll be surgical,” Trump tells reporters in the Oval Office after presiding over the second round of ambassador-level negotiations between Israel and Lebanon.

The remarks indicate a softened approach from Trump after he declared last week that Israel was “PROHIBITED” from bombing Lebanon.

The Truth Social warning was said to have sparked alarm in Washington, leading a White House official to clarify to reporters that the ceasefire still allows Israel to take action against perceived threats.