U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly unleashed a furious verbal attack on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a tense phone conversation over Israel’s military operations in Lebanon, according to report by Fox News.
The reported exchange came amid growing regional tensions and concerns that Israel’s military actions in Lebanon could derail ongoing diplomatic efforts involving the United States and Iran. According to Axios, Trump was angered by Israeli plans for further military strikes, particularly around Beirut, which Washington feared could worsen the conflict and complicate negotiations aimed at reducing tensions in the Middle East.
A U.S. official quoted by Axios claimed Trump told Netanyahu: “You’re f****** crazy. You’d be in prison if it weren’t for me. I’m saving your a***. Everybody hates you now. Everybody hates Israel because of this.” The report further alleged that Trump repeatedly questioned Israel’s actions, at one point asking the Israeli leader, “What the f*** are you doing?”
According to the report, Trump believed that a major Israeli strike on Beirut would further isolate Israel internationally and undermine U.S. diplomatic initiatives in the region. The American president was also said to be concerned that Iran could abandon ongoing talks with Washington in response to the escalating conflict.
The phone call has been described as one of the most confrontational exchanges between Trump and Netanyahu since Trump returned to the White House. Following the conversation, reports indicated that Israel suspended plans for a large-scale strike on Beirut, although Netanyahu later reiterated that Israel would continue military operations in southern Lebanon and respond to future attacks from Hezbollah.
Fox News also reported that Trump said he had persuaded Netanyahu to call off a planned strike on Beirut as part of efforts to prevent further escalation in the conflict.
