As Israel braces for a potential Iranian response and diplomatic efforts continue toward a broader regional agreement, senior Israeli ministers are increasingly voicing frustration with President Donald Trump, accusing him of sending a dangerous message in the wake of recent attacks against Israel.

The Security Cabinet convened Sunday evening at a secret location amid heightened tensions, but alongside preparations for possible developments with Iran, criticism of Washington’s approach has been growing in Israel.

According to reports, several cabinet ministers sharply criticized Trump’s reaction to the recent attacks from Lebanon, arguing that his comments effectively legitimize attacks on Israel.

“The message being conveyed normalizes attacks on a sovereign nation,” ministers reportedly said.

According to a report by i24NEWS, members of the government believe efforts to separate the Iranian front from the Lebanese front have failed and that policymakers must now recognize the direct connection between the two arenas.

The report also said that ministers participating in cabinet discussions called for a tougher Israeli response policy, arguing that “the era of restraint is over” and that every attack against Israel must be met with a forceful response.

The criticism comes after Trump publicly rebuked Israel following its strike in Beirut’s Dahieh district.

In a Truth Social post, the president wrote, “The attack should not have happened, especially on such a special day when we are so close to a peace deal with Iran.”

Trump further stated that “Israel has the right to defend itself against threats, but the attack it was responding to was very small and meaningless. No one was hurt or killed, and it should not disrupt this important process.”

The president also expressed optimism about a broader regional agreement, saying, “We are very close to a deal that will bring peace to the region, including Lebanon, and all sides should show restraint. There should be no more attacks by Israel anywhere in Lebanon, but there should also be no more attacks by any other side, including Hezbollah, against Israel. This could be the beginning of a long and beautiful peace — let’s not ruin it!”

Later, in an interview with Fox News, Trump predicted that “I expect the deal to be signed within two or three hours or tonight,” before revealing details of a conversation he had with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu.

“I spoke with Netanyahu on the phone and asked him, ‘What the …. are you doing?!’” Trump said.

{Matzav.com}