President Trump had stern words for Israel as he made clear that the US is in the driver’s seat for the 10-day cease-fire between the Jewish state and Lebanon.
“Israel will not be bombing Lebanon any longer. They are PROHIBITED from doing so by the U.S.A. Enough is enough!!!” the president wrote in a sharply worded Truth Social post Friday.
Trump also threw cold water on a cash component being part of the ongoing negotiations to end the war in Iran, as Axios reported the US was considering releasing $20 billion in frozen Iranian funds in exchange for the besieged Islamic Republic surrendering its supply of enriched uranium.
President Trump speaks at a roundtable event in Las Vegas on Thursday, April 16, 2026. AP“No money will exchange hands in any way, shape, or form,” he pledged.
“The deal is in no way subject to Lebanon, either, but the USA will, separately, work with Lebanon, and deal with the Hezboolah [sic] situation in an appropriate manner,” he wrote.
The president’s admonishment to Israel comes hours after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his country had more work to do to achieve its ultimate goal of “dismantling” Hezbollah.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks to the media from Jerusalem on March 19, 2026. REUTERS“One hand holds a weapon; the other is extended for peace,” Netanyahu said in a video statement explaining Israel would honor 10-day cease-fire at the behest of President Trump.
However, he hinted at more battles ahead.
A plume of smoke from an airstrike in Lebanon on April 16, 2026. Getty Images“I will say honestly, we have not yet finished the job,” Netanyahu added. “There are things we plan to do regarding the remaining rocket threat and the drone threat, which I will not detail.”
He also acknowledged that eliminating the Iran-backed terror group would not be an overnight affair.
“This will not be achieved tomorrow. It requires sustained effort, patience, and careful navigation in the diplomatic arena.”
