Attack on Beirut: Trump-Netanyahu call shapes Israel's next move in Lebanon

Report by Amal Shehadeh, English adaptation by Yasmine Jaroudi

A tense and heated meeting of Israel's security cabinet reportedly descended into shouting as officials debated expanding military operations in Lebanon, amid growing concern over regional escalation and ongoing U.S.-Iran negotiations.

During the discussions, U.S. President Donald Trump held a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in which Washington reportedly rejected any Israeli attack on Beirut, fearing it could ignite a broader regional conflict and undermine ongoing American-Iranian talks.

"We do not want to see destroyed buildings in Beirut," Trump reportedly told Netanyahu, according to an Israeli official who attended the meeting.

However, the same official said that Israel received a green light from Washington for limited operations, including assassinations targeting Hezbollah leaders and strikes on infrastructure linked to Hezbollah.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Israel's political leadership authorized the army to implement operational plans presented to the cabinet, though those plans reportedly excluded Beirut.

Some ministers attending the session viewed the American restrictions as a major blow to Israeli security. Others, including Energy Minister Eli Cohen, reportedly called for ignoring the U.S. limitations altogether.

Far-right minister Orit Strook urged consideration of operations that would inflict pain on Lebanon, Hezbollah, and the Lebanese state. Defense Minister Israel Katz responded by arguing that expanding territorial control would be more damaging to Hezbollah, a position reportedly backed by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who called for flattening Beirut's southern suburbs.

As disagreements over restrictions on Beirut deepen political divisions inside Israel, the Israeli army has continued mobilizing reserve forces and reinforcing border areas with additional military units.

The army also announced ongoing efforts to locate Hezbollah drone factories and storage facilities. 

At the same time, Israel reportedly agreed to purchase protective anti-drone net systems from several European countries to protect not only troops operating in Lebanon but also communities in northern Israel.