Trump Urges Halt to Beirut Attack; Israel Signals Continued Strikes

President Trump called for a halt to attacks on Beirut, while Israel stated it would only strike Beirut if Hezbollah attacks persist, but would continue striking southern Lebanon.

Tue Jun 02 2026

Israel Announces and Then Recalls Planned Beirut Strikes

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his defense minister announced at 10:30 AM local time on Monday that they had ordered the military to strike Beirut. The Lebanese capital, Beirut, had been off-limits since the ceasefire, with only two strikes since mid-April targeting senior Hezbollah commanders. Israel stated the renewed strikes were in response to increased Hezbollah fire. However, at 5 PM, the Israeli military issued an evacuation warning for parts of Beirut, but for hours afterward, no strikes occurred.

Trump's Intervention and Israel's Modified Stance

US President Donald Trump stated on social media that he had a 'very productive call' with Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel, and that any troops en route to Beirut had been turned back. He also claimed to have had a good call with Hezbollah representatives, who agreed that all shooting would stop. However, Netanyahu later issued a short statement saying that Israel would continue striking southern Lebanon and would only hit Beirut if Hezbollah attacks continue. Trump has historically intervened to stop Israeli wars in the past, including in Gaza and Iran, and appears to have done so again in this instance of Middle Eastern conflict.