ISLAMABAD: US President Donald Trump sharply criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a tense phone call on Monday, expressing frustration over Israel’s escalating military operations in Lebanon, according to US officials cited by American news agency Axios.
According to Axios, Trump called the Israeli premier “crazy” on the call and accused him of ingratitude.
The reported exchange came amid growing concerns that the conflict could undermine ongoing negotiations between the United States and Iran.
Sources familiar with the conversation said Trump warned Netanyahu that expanding military action, particularly threats to strike Beirut, would further isolate Israel internationally and jeopardize diplomatic efforts.
US officials told Axios that Trump claimed he had helped keep Netanyahu out of jail.
This referred to Trump’s support during the corruption trial against the Israeli premier.
A second source briefed on the call told Axios that Trump was “pissed” and at one point yelled at Netanyahu, saying, “What the f*** are you doing?”
According to officials, Trump acknowledged Israel’s right to defend itself against attacks from Hezbollah but argued that recent Israeli actions had become disproportionate.
He was reportedly concerned about civilian casualties in Lebanon and objected to strikes that resulted in extensive damage while targeting individual Hezbollah commanders.
The call followed warnings from Iran that it could abandon negotiations with Washington if Israel intensified its operations in Lebanon.
US officials said Trump viewed the escalation as a direct threat to diplomatic progress.
Following the conversation, an Israeli official told Axios that Israel no longer planned to carry out strikes on Hezbollah targets in Beirut.
However, Netanyahu later stated that Israel would continue operations in southern Lebanon and maintain its position unless Hezbollah halted attacks.
