Washington (TDI): United States President Donald Trump lashed out at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a tense phone call over Israel’s escalating military operations in Lebanon, American news outlet Axios reported.
Citing two US officials and another source familiar with the conversation, the report said Trump reacted angrily to Israel’s plans to expand its offensive, including potential strikes on Beirut. According to the sources, Trump described Netanyahu as “crazy” and accused him of being ungrateful, warning that continued escalation could further damage Israel’s standing internationally.
The report also alleges that Trump intervened during the call and halted a planned Israeli strike on Beirut. Following the conversation, Netanyahu reportedly agreed to call off the raid, while Trump said arrangements had been made for a broader pause in hostilities, including communication channels involving Hezbollah.
Trump later stated publicly that he had spoken with Netanyahu and had also been in touch, through intermediaries, with representatives linked to Hezbollah.
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The Axios report further noted that Trump expressed concern over rising civilian casualties in Lebanon and objected to Israeli military tactics that involved destroying entire buildings to eliminate individual Hezbollah commanders.
At one point during the call, Trump allegedly told Netanyahu that moving forward with threats to bomb Beirut would deepen Israel’s international isolation. The report also claims Trump referenced his past political support for Netanyahu, including assistance during his corruption trial.
Israeli officials, however, presented a different account. The prime minister’s office said Netanyahu told Trump that Israel would strike Beirut if Hezbollah continued firing at Israeli cities, and confirmed that military operations in southern Lebanon would proceed, including a ground advance deeper than previous incursions in decades.
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Despite the reported tensions, Axios said the call ended with Netanyahu agreeing to coordinate further steps with Washington. Neither the White House nor Trump has issued an official comment on the report.
