A recent report by Axios has revealed that former US President Donald Trump expressed sharp criticism towards Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a phone call regarding escalating tensions in Lebanon. The call, which is said to have taken place on June 1, has drawn attention due to Trump’s outburst and the implications for US-Israeli relations amid the ongoing conflict with Iran.
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Trump reportedly described Netanyahu as “f—ing crazy” and accused him of showing ingratitude towards the Trump administration’s support for Israel. During the conversation, the former president emphasised that without his backing, Netanyahu could face severe consequences, stating, “You’d be in prison if it weren’t for me. I’m saving your ass.” This strong language underscores Trump’s frustration as he perceived Israel’s military actions as exacerbating tensions in an already fragile geopolitical landscape.
The Axios report, which cites information from two US officials and a separate source familiar with the conversation, indicates that Trump was particularly concerned about a potential strike on Beirut, the capital of Lebanon. According to the report, he cautioned Netanyahu that such an attack would further alienate Israel from the international community. The phone call allegedly reached a high point of tension when Trump exclaimed, “What the f— are you doing?” while critiquing Israel’s military response to retaliatory attacks from Hezbollah.
The backdrop to this intense exchange is the ongoing conflict involving Iran, Israel, and Hezbollah. Trump expressed that he found Netanyahu’s reaction to Hezbollah’s aggression to be “disproportionate.” This sentiment highlights the delicate balance of responding to aggression while also managing diplomatic relations, particularly when negotiations with Iran were reportedly progressing well.
Despite the fiery nature of the call, Trump subsequently described the interaction as “very productive.” He stated on social media platform Truth Social that there would be no US troops dispatched to Beirut and that any forces already en route had been turned back. He also claimed to have engaged in discussions with Hezbollah, indicating that both sides agreed to halt hostilities.
In a response to the conversation, Netanyahu confirmed the phone call and reiterated Israel’s stance towards Hezbollah. He stated that if the group did not stop its attacks on Israeli cities and civilians, Israel would carry out strikes against terrorist targets in Beirut. Netanyahu made it clear that this position remains unchanged, reflecting Israel’s stance on maintaining military readiness in the face of perceived threats.
The situation remains precarious as both Trump and Netanyahu navigate complex political realities. The former president’s comments suggest a preference for de-escalation, especially in light of ongoing discussions with Iran. Trump later reiterated his belief that negotiations with Iran were progressing positively, despite a “glitch” that he claimed he swiftly addressed.
As tensions continue to rise in the region, the dynamics between the US, Israel, and Iran will likely remain in focus. Trump’s approach during his presidency often involved direct and candid discussions with foreign leaders, and this call with Netanyahu illustrates the challenges of managing international relations during times of conflict.
Overall, the exchange between Trump and Netanyahu reveals not only personal friction but also the broader implications for diplomatic efforts in the Middle East. The responses from both leaders reflect the ongoing challenges of balancing military action with the need for negotiations, particularly in a region where alliances are often tested by immediate conflicts.