Donald Trump has said he wants to bring an end to the wars in the Middle East, but he also told Netanyahu during a call to “do what you have to do.”

Israeli officials are insisting on maintaining a capacity to strike Lebanon at any moment as part of conditions to secure a ceasefire with Iran-backed Hezbollah, France's foreign minister said on Wednesday.

The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has deepened in recent days despite diplomatic efforts to move toward a temporary truce.

Israel's leadership is said to be keen to present an "easy win" political coup to the incoming American President.