Mideast Deal Still On Despite Israeli Strikes Killing Three In Beirut — Trump

US President Donald Trump on Sunday said Israeli strikes on Beirut “should not have happened” as he maintained that a regional peace deal remained within reach, although he did not confirm his earlier claim that it would be signed that same day.

“We are very close to a deal that will bring peace to the region, including to Lebanon, and all sides should stand down,” Trump said on social media.

“This could be the beginning of a long and beautiful peace — Let’s not blow it!”

Israel carried out strikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs on Sunday, killing three people, in response to what it said was Hezbollah rocket fire into northern Israel. Trump said the exchange “should not disrupt” efforts to reach a peace agreement.

“This morning’s attack on Beirut should not have happened, particularly on a special day,” Trump wrote, possibly referring to his earlier expectation that a peace agreement would be signed on Sunday, his 80th birthday.

“There should be no more attacks by Israel anywhere in Lebanon, but there should also be no more attacks by any other party, including Hezbollah, against Israel.”

Trump, who has repeatedly said that a deal with Iran was close to completion, had stated on Saturday that the framework agreement was expected to be signed on Sunday.

AFP