United States President Donald Trump has criticized the air strike launched this Sunday by Israel against southern Beirut, an offensive that, in his opinion, "should not have happened". At the same time, he has urged restraint from both Israeli authorities and Hezbollah militias, considering that he is "very close" to closing a memorandum of understanding with Iran that would allow a solid peace process to begin.
According to initial reports, Israel fired several missiles at a residential building in the Dahiya neighborhood, in the southern part of the Lebanese capital and considered a Hezbollah stronghold. The operation was carried out in retaliation for what the Israeli government described as the launch of several explosive-laden drones against its territory.
The provisional toll of the Israeli attack amounts to at least three dead and 15 injured. In contrast, the alleged unmanned aircraft that reportedly motivated the military response caused no casualties, an aspect that Trump highlighted in his message disseminated on his platform.
"Israel has the right to defend itself from threats, but the attack it was responding to was of little importance and consequence; no one was injured or killed, and it should not interrupt this important process," the American leader stated.
Trump is celebrating his 80th birthday this Sunday with a major mixed martial arts event at the White House, in parallel to his attempt to finalize this preliminary agreement with Iran. On Saturday, he expressed confidence that the signing would take place today, although throughout the day Iranian negotiators have expressed marked skepticism, both due to pending technical aspects and, especially, due to the bombing of Dahiya.
Tehran, Hezbollah's main backer, considers the security of the party-militia's stronghold to be an indispensable condition for sitting at the negotiating table.
"This morning's attack in Beirut should not have happened, especially on such a special day, when we are so close to a peace agreement with Iran," Trump commented before calling for calm.
"There should be no more attacks by Israel anywhere in Lebanon, but there should also be no more attacks by any other group, including Hezbollah, against Israel. This could be the beginning of a long and beautiful peace," he concluded.