Netanyahu Denies Reports Trump Asked Israel to Halt Northern Border Operations

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu strongly denied recent media reports claiming that U.S. President Donald Trump requested Israel to refrain from a significant military operation against terror tunnels in Lebanon. Speaking at a government meeting on Sunday, Netanyahu labeled these claims as "fake news" and asserted that the topic never arose in his conversations with Trump. He emphasized that Israel acts independently in its security decisions, stating, "He did not say anything to me on this matter, and I did not ask him. We operate according to our own considerations."

The denials come amid ongoing security tensions along Israel's northern border with Lebanon, where the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have been conducting extensive operations to neutralize threats. Recent IDF activities include destroying over a kilometer of underground tunnels in the Gaza Strip and carrying out four strikes against militants posing threats in southern Lebanon. The IDF also targeted three Hezbollah command centers following violations of the ceasefire agreement.

Netanyahu's clarification underscores Israel's commitment to maintaining full operational freedom despite close diplomatic ties with the United States. While reports surfaced about American diplomatic efforts in the region, Netanyahu made clear that these do not influence Israel's military decisions. The Prime Minister reiterated Israel's autonomy in defending its citizens and national security interests, dismissing any suggestion of American interference in operational matters.

This statement aims to dispel rumors amid a sensitive security environment and ongoing military efforts to address threats from Hezbollah and other militant groups along Israel's northern frontier.