Israeli Prime Minister Binyomin Netanyahu said Monday evening that Israel has not changed its policy toward Hezbollah, responding to President Donald Trump’s claim that he intervened to prevent an Israeli strike in Beirut’s Dahieh district.

In a statement issued after speaking with Trump, Netanyahu stressed that Israel remains prepared to attack Hezbollah targets if the terror group continues launching attacks against Israeli civilians.

“I spoke this evening with President Trump and told him that if Hezbollah does not cease attacking our cities and civilians, Israel will strike terrorist targets in Beirut. This position remains unchanged. At the same time, the IDF will continue operating in southern Lebanon as planned,” Netanyahu said.

Earlier in the day, Trump announced what he described as a breakthrough arrangement involving both Israel and Hezbollah, saying his conversations with representatives from both sides had prevented a further escalation of the conflict.

“I had a very productive call with Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, of Israel, and there will be no Troops going to Beirut, and any Troops that are on their way, have already been turned back. Likewise, through highly placed Representatives, I had a very good call with Hezbollah, and they agreed that all shooting will stop – That Israel will not attack them, and they will not attack Israel. President DONALD J. TRUMP.”

Later, Lebanese officials released additional details regarding the reported understanding, describing a series of diplomatic contacts involving Washington, Beirut, and Israel 27aimed at preventing a wider conflict.

“As part of the efforts undertaken by the Lebanese government to preserve stability and prevent further escalation in Lebanon, and following a telephone conversation between Lebanese President Joseph Aoun and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Lebanese authorities received confirmation that Hezbollah had agreed to an American proposal providing for a mutual cessation of attacks.

“Under the proposed arrangement, Israel would halt strikes on southern Beirut’s Dahieh district, while Hezbollah would refrain from carrying out attacks against Israel. Subsequently, the ceasefire agreement would be expanded to apply throughout Lebanese territory.”

The Lebanese statement further claimed that Trump personally helped secure Israeli approval for the proposal through additional diplomatic contacts.

“Later, President Donald Trump spoke by telephone with Lebanon’s ambassador to the United States, Nada Mawad, and informed her that he had obtained the agreement of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to the proposed arrangement. Ambassador Mawad conveyed the results of the discussions to President Aoun, who in turn updated Hezbollah on the details.”

The reported understanding immediately drew criticism from National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who urged Netanyahu not to back away from military action against Hezbollah strongholds in Beirut.

“Mr. Prime Minister, you said that a strong prime minister tells the President of the United States ‘yes’ when possible and ‘no’ when necessary,” Ben-Gvir wrote.

Calling for a tougher approach, Ben-Gvir argued that Israel should continue its offensive regardless of American pressure.

He emphasized his position: “This is the time to tell our friend, President Trump, ‘no.’ Now is the time to do what is necessary and required to strike Hezbollah, free the hands of our fighters, and restore security to the north,” Ben-Gvir wrote on his account on X.

The differing statements from Israel, Washington, and Beirut underscored the uncertainty surrounding the reported arrangement, even as diplomatic efforts continue to prevent the fighting from expanding into a broader regional confrontation.