WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump reportedly launched an angry and profanity-laden attack on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a phone call, blaming Israel’s military escalation in Lebanon for jeopardising regional diplomacy and fueling growing international criticism of Israel.
According to a report by Axios, the tense conversation came after Iran threatened to suspend negotiations with the United States over Israel’s actions in Lebanon, prompting Trump to personally intervene and push for de-escalation.
The report said Trump strongly criticised Netanyahu over plans linked to further strikes in Beirut and expressed anger over the widening conflict in Lebanon. Sources claimed the US president used harsh language during the conversation and accused the Israeli leader of irresponsible escalation.
According to Axios, Trump also told Netanyahu that continued military action in Beirut risked deepening Israel’s international isolation. The publication further reported that Trump referenced his past political support for Netanyahu, saying he had helped him in difficult circumstances.
The call reportedly followed heightened tensions after Israel intensified its military campaign against Hezbollah positions in Lebanon, raising concerns over civilian casualties and infrastructure damage.
“You’re crazy. You’d be in prison if it weren’t for me. I’m saving you. Everybody hates you now. Everybody hates Israel because of this,” Trump said to Netanyahu.
Trump later stated that he had spoken with Netanyahu and intermediaries linked to Hezbollah, and suggested that a temporary understanding had been reached to halt further escalation.
Israeli officials, however, maintained that military operations would continue if attacks on Israeli territory persisted, particularly in southern Lebanon where ground operations have expanded.
Axios reported that the US president ultimately pushed Netanyahu to scale back immediate plans, describing the call as one of the most contentious between the two leaders since Trump returned to office.
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