Netanyahu wants urgent meeting with Trump after G7, says Israeli source

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is seeking an urgent meeting with US President Donald Trump, according to an Israeli source, amid what appears to be rising tensions over negotiations with Iran and the ceasefire with Hezbollah in Lebanon.

According to the source, Netanyahu is trying to organize a meeting after Trump returns from the G7 summit in Europe next week or shortly thereafter.

Trump harshly rebuked Israel on Sunday (14), after the Israeli Defense Forces attacked Beirut in response to Hezbollah fire on northern Israel, stating that the attack on the Lebanese capital "should not have happened". He also called Hezbollah's attack "very small and meaningless."

The public exchange of criticism stands in stark contrast to the unified front the two leaders demonstrated at the start of the war involving Iran and represents the latest episode in a series of visible disagreements as Trump seeks to end hostilities.

The American president had already limited Israel's freedom of military action in Lebanon; last week ordered Netanyahu to cancel attack plans against Iran after Tehran launched missiles at Israel for the first time since the April ceasefire.

According to the Israeli source, Netanyahu seeks a meeting with the President of the United States after his return from the G7 to clarify and present Israel's positions in the negotiations.

Israel is particularly concerned about preserving its freedom to act against Hezbollah in Lebanon as Iran pushes for an Israeli withdrawal, the source said.

The Israeli government also fears that the agreement being negotiated between Washington and Tehran will reduce economic pressure on Iran without addressing the nuclear issue, an outcome that could stabilize the Iranian regime precisely at a time when Israel seeks to weaken it further.

CNN has reached out to the Israeli Prime Minister's office for comment.

Source: CNN