Trump says Syria should take care of Hezbollah instead of Israel

US President Donald Trump suggested that Syria should handle Hezbollah instead of Israel, criticizing the scale of Israel's military campaign in Lebanon. These remarks follow a framework peace deal between the US and Iran, signaling a potential shift in regional diplomatic tensions.
Why it matters
The comments highlight a public rift between the US administration and a key ally, potentially altering the geopolitical landscape in the Middle East.
New Delhi , UPDATED: Jun 16, 2026 17:47 IST Written By: Abhishek De Venting his frustration with Israel's military campaign in Lebanon, US President Donald Trump went so far as to assert that Syria would do a better job in fighting Hezbollah there. During a meeting with the Emir of Qatar on the sidelines of the G7 Summit in France , Trump suggested that Benjamin Netanyahu's campaign against the Iran-backed militant group had nearly derailed peace negotiations with Iran.
The framing focuses on the controversial nature of the President's remarks and the humanitarian impact of the conflict.
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