Trump and Netanyahu Clash Over Lebanon as U.S.-Iran Deal Faces Pressure

By Jim Thomas | Tuesday, 16 June 2026 08:47 PM EDT

Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., said Tuesday that President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will resolve their public split over Lebanon, predicting the security of Americans and allies will ultimately drive the U.S.-Iran deal across the finish line.

The remarks followed Trump’s rebuke of Israel at the G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains, France, where he stated he was “not happy with the way Israel has handled themselves with Lebanon and with Hezbollah” and warned that the conflict was “throwing a negative light” on his pending agreement with Tehran.

Iran informed mediators Sunday that Israeli strikes in Beirut’s southern suburbs could complicate the deal, which the White House aims to formalize Friday in Switzerland.

When pressed on whether the friction might unravel the framework, Britt redirected attention to Hamas’ terrorist attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.

“Look, I know that obviously Israel wants peace there in the region as well,” she said. “I mean, you have to think about what all that country and the men and women of Israel have been through. When you look at Oct. 7, when you think about the fact that there are people right there in the region, not even far away, just miles down the road, that want to do them harm, that have said death to Israel and that have worked to follow through with that.”

She described the October 7 Hamas assault as “beyond comprehension” and stated Israel had no choice but to continue its actions.

“The unthinkable occurred to men and women there in that region on Oct. 7,” Britt added. “What we saw was beyond comprehension. They’ve got to make sure that they’re doing what they need to, to keep the men and women there safe.”

Britt linked the Lebanon situation to a global rise in antisemitism.

“When you look at antisemitism across the globe, it is at an all-time high,” she said. “I think it’s important that we stand with our ally there.”

Britt expressed confidence that Trump and Netanyahu would resolve their differences.

“I have every belief that the president and the prime minister will work through that, because they know what is most important is the safety and security of our people here at home, of their people there, of all of our allies in the region,” she said. “And at the end of the day, I believe that will win out.”

Trump later suggested Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa could more effectively address Hezbollah than Israel.

Netanyahu, in a separate televised address Monday night, ruled out an immediate Israeli pullback from southern Lebanon, vowing to maintain security zones “for as long as it is required.”

The interim U.S.-Iran agreement is scheduled for signing Friday.