Netanyahu ‘Held Hostage’ by Trump

Darwin, 25 April: Israeli residents and local leaders near the Lebanon border say the country’s security has effectively fallen into U.S. hands after President Donald Trump extended a ceasefire for three weeks. This comes despite continued attacks by Hezbollah and ongoing negotiations led by the White House.

Late Friday night’s ceasefire announcement surprised and angered residents in Israel’s northern border areas. According to a report by Ynet News, many believe the move has made Israel’s security dependent on a single U.S. leader.

Two days after Israel’s Independence Day, officials in the town of Metula raised American flags alongside Israeli ones—not as a sign of friendship, but as a protest.

Metula Council head David Azoulay said, “It is unfortunate that the Israeli government and its leadership are losing their standing as an independent, sovereign state.” He accused the government of returning to a policy of restraint in the face of Hezbollah attacks, adding, “If attacks on places like Shtula are tolerated, then that becomes the reality.”

In a sarcastic remark, he said, “Our prime minister is being held hostage by the American ‘red-haired man.’”

Shlomi Council head Gabi Naaman struck a more moderate tone, describing the ceasefire as a temporary pause rather than a lasting solution. “To end a war, you need a stable and clear security reality,” he said, expressing hope that Israeli leadership and the U.S. president are working together toward a safer future. However, he warned that the ceasefire remains fragile and lacks a solid security foundation.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah has continued launching attacks in response to Israeli strikes. Despite this, the Israeli government is waiting for the outcome of negotiations, hoping to achieve its objectives without escalating into a full-scale war.

The Israeli military said it has targeted Hezbollah infrastructure in southern Lebanon, destroying rocket launchers used by the group.

Trump stated that any agreement would require Iran to stop funding Hezbollah.

Israeli officials believe that if the same results can be achieved at a lower cost, allowing time for negotiations is a reasonable approach.

However, residents in the north remain deeply concerned. They say Hezbollah has reestablished a “balance of fear.”

Acre resident and reserve soldier Amir Asulin said Hezbollah is carrying out attacks openly, while Israel is responding weakly due to pressure from Trump to maintain the ceasefire. He warned this gives Hezbollah time to rebuild its strength.

He added, “If Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cannot tell the U.S. president that he cannot direct us via Twitter, then he has no moral right to lead.”

Yael Moad, a resident of Kibbutz Yiftah, said responding to every attack may be the wrong strategy, as it risks normalizing the situation over time.

“If there is no intention to take major action, it may be better not to respond every time—even if it makes Israel appear humiliated in public,” she said.