Trump Commands Israel to Stand Down in Lebanon

By: Hana Levi Julian – Thejewishedition

Two social media posts written by President Donald Trump this weekend clarified that the US has prevented (“prohibited”) Israel from definitively ending the threat against central and northern Israelis posed by Iran’s proxy in Lebanon, the Hezbollah terrorist army.

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was, to be blunt, strong-armed by his American “friend” into a ceasefire that began at midnight on Thursday night. In exchange, Israel received no tangible benefit other than more hopeful rhetoric and a photo op two days earlier (Tuesday, April 14) with the Israeli and Lebanese ambassadors together at the State Department in Washington.

Significantly, Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun refused to take a call with Trump and Netanyahu, agreeing only to speak with the American president.

Trump’s social media posts on Friday speak for themselves:

“The USA will, separately, work with Lebanon, and deal with the Hezboolah (sic) situation in an appropriate manner. Israel will not be bombing Lebanon any longer. They are PROHIBITED from doing so by the U.S.A. Enough is enough!!! Thank you!”

“I hope Hezbollah acts nicely and well during this important period of time. It will be an (sic) GREAT moment for them if they do. No more killing. Must finally have PEACE! Thank you for your attention to this matter.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Thursday night that he had summarily agreed – without a vote by the security cabinet – to the ceasefire due to pressure from the White House.

“At the request of my friend, President Trump, with whom we have changed the Middle East and achieved tremendous accomplishments, we have agreed to a temporary ceasefire in Lebanon,” Netanyahu said Thursday night in an address to the nation a few hours ahead of the ceasefire.

“At his request, we will provide an opportunity to advance an integrated diplomatic and military solution with the Lebanese government.”

Netanyahu cited a “deep security buffer zone along the entire northern border” as one accomplishment that would provide security for Israelis in the north.

“Not just in Lebanon; along the entire Lebanese border up to Mount Hermon, through the Golan Heights, and down to the Yarmouk. They wanted to surround us with a ring of fire; we created a ring of security,” Netanyahu said.

“This buffer zone completely removes the near threat of invasion and anti-tank fire. The IDF is stationed there, at the ‘Yellow Line’, to continue defending against the near threat,” he continued, adding the IDF has destroyed 90 percent of Hezbollah’s missile and rocket stockpiles.

Netanyahu acknowledged, however, “We have not yet finished the job” and said Israel has plans regarding the remaining rocket and drone threat but declined to share details.

The “additional goal” of dismantling Hezbollah, he said, “will not be achieved tomorrow,” warning “it requires sustained effort, patience and endurance,” along with “wise navigation” of the diplomatic field.

“At the request of my friend, President Trump, with whom we changed the Middle East and brought about tremendous achievements, we agreed to a temporary ceasefire in Lebanon. At his request, we will give an opportunity to promote an integrated political and military solution with the Lebanese government,” he said.

“And I remind you, for the first time in 43 years, representatives of the State of Israel are speaking directly with representatives of Lebanon. The road to peace is still long, but we have begun it. One of our hands holds a weapon; our other hand is extended in peace. In one way or another, we will restore security to the residents of the north.”