In a highly contentious phone call, US President Donald Trump reportedly erupted at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing him of reckless military escalation in Lebanon. Sources briefed on the exchange described Trump calling Netanyahu "crazy" and stating that Israel's actions were pushing it toward international isolation while jeopardizing crucial American diplomatic efforts with Iran.
The Heated Exchange
The confrontation, confirmed by US officials, came after Israel ordered strikes on Hezbollah targets in Beirut's southern suburbs and expanded ground operations in southern Lebanon. These moves reportedly alarmed Washington and drew sharp warnings from Tehran. Trump allegedly told Netanyahu directly, "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 indicated Trump also shouted, "What the f**k are you doing?"
Escalation in Lebanon
The immediate trigger for the call was Netanyahu's decision, alongside Defence Minister Israel Katz, to order attacks on Hezbollah-controlled areas of Beirut's Dahiyeh district. Israeli officials cited repeated ceasefire violations and attacks by Hezbollah on Israeli territory as justification. The announcement caused residents of Beirut's southern suburbs to flee in anticipation of major airstrikes.
While US officials acknowledged Israel's right to respond to Hezbollah rocket and drone attacks, Trump reportedly believed Netanyahu was escalating the situation disproportionately. The US President was particularly disturbed by the civilian death toll in Lebanon and strongly objected to large-scale strikes targeting individual Hezbollah commanders.
Diplomatic Fallout and Iran's Stance
Iran, a key backer of Hezbollah, warned that continued Israeli military action in Lebanon could undermine ongoing negotiations between Washington and Tehran. Iranian officials have consistently maintained that a ceasefire in Lebanon is a non-negotiable component of any broader understanding with the United States. Trump's accusations included claims that Netanyahu was endangering American diplomatic efforts with Iran.
Immediate Impact and Differing Statements
The intense phone call appeared to yield some immediate results. An Israeli official told Axios that Israel no longer planned to strike Hezbollah targets in Beirut. Trump later affirmed this development on Truth Social, stating he had spoken with Netanyahu and that "there will be no Troops going to Beirut." He also claimed that Hezbollah, through intermediaries, had agreed to cease attacking Israel, framing the reportedly explosive confrontation in measured diplomatic terms.
However, Prime Minister Netanyahu subsequently issued a statement making it clear that Israel's broader military posture remained unchanged. He affirmed that operations would continue in southern Lebanon and warned that strikes on Beirut remained an option if Hezbollah did not halt its attacks on Israeli territory. "Our position remains the same," he asserted.