Washington: US President Donald Trump reportedly lashed out at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a tense phone call over Israel’s escalating
military campaign in Lebanon, according to a report by Axios.
The reported exchange came as the United States sought to prevent the conflict from disrupting ongoing diplomatic efforts with Iran. Israel recently ordered strikes on Hezbollah targets in Beirut’s southern suburbs and expanded military operations in southern Lebanon, raising concerns about a wider regional conflict and prompting fresh warnings from Iran.
According to sources cited by Axios, Trump accused Netanyahu of pushing Israel towards international isolation and undermining Washington’s diplomatic objectives. Two US officials and another source familiar with the conversation claimed Trump called the Israeli leader “crazy” and criticised him for acting without considering the broader consequences.
You are f*****g crazy: Trump to Netanyahu
One US official quoted Trump as telling Netanyahu, “You’re f*****g crazy. You’d be in prison if it weren’t for me. I’m saving your ass. Everybody hates you now. Everybody hates Israel because of this.”
Another source said Trump angrily asked, “What the f**k are you doing?”
The reported confrontation followed Israel’s decision to target Hezbollah-controlled areas in Beirut’s Dahiyeh district. Israeli officials said the strikes were in response to repeated Hezbollah attacks and ceasefire violations.
Iran talks at risk
Iran, which backs Hezbollah, warned that continued Israeli military action could threaten ongoing negotiations with Washington.
US officials reportedly said Trump believed Israel was responding to Hezbollah attacks but viewed the scale of the response as excessive.
According to Axios, the call appeared to have an immediate impact. An Israeli official reportedly said Israel no longer intended to strike Hezbollah targets in Beirut.
In a post on Truth Social, Trump later stated that he had held a “very productive” conversation with Netanyahu and claimed Israeli troops heading towards Beirut had been turned back.
Israel maintains stance
Despite the reported exchange, Netanyahu signalled that Israel’s broader military approach remained unchanged. He said operations in southern Lebanon would continue and warned that future strikes on Beirut remained possible if Hezbollah attacks persisted.
The reported dispute highlighted growing tensions between the two leaders, with US officials describing it as one of their most contentious conversations since Trump returned to office.
