Trump lashed out at Netanyahu over the escalating situation in Lebanon
During a telephone conversation on Monday, US President Donald Trump sharply criticised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the escalating situation in Lebanon. This was reported to Axios by two US officials and another source familiar with the content of the conversation.
The day before, Iran had threatened to halt negotiations with the United States over Israel’s actions in Lebanon. According to those briefed, during the conversation Trump called Netanyahu “crazy” and accused him of ingratitude.
Furthermore, according to the sources, the US president opposed Israel’s plans to strike Beirut.
One US official noted that Trump told Netanyahu that carrying out threats to strike the Lebanese capital would further isolate Israel on the international stage.
Two sources also claim that during the conversation, Trump reminded Netanyahu of his support during the corruption trial. According to one of the officials, the US president stated that he had helped the Israeli prime minister avoid imprisonment.
The sources reported that Trump recognises Israel’s right to self-defence following rocket attacks by Hezbollah, but believes that Israel’s actions in recent days have become disproportionate.
In addition to statements about possible strikes on Beirut, Israel has continued to expand its ground operation in southern Lebanon.
Another US official reported that Trump had expressed concern over the number of civilian casualties in Lebanon and was critical of the practice of demolishing buildings to eliminate individual Hezbollah commanders.
Following the conversation, Israel abandoned plans to strike Hezbollah targets in Beirut. This was reported by an Israeli official.
According to sources, there had already been tense exchanges between Trump and Netanyahu in the past, yet the two sides continued to coordinate closely on Iran and other international issues. One official described this conversation as one of the most difficult between the two leaders since Trump’s return to the White House.
Sources believe that the US president’s dissatisfaction was primarily linked to the risk of negotiations between Washington and Tehran breaking down due to the escalation in Lebanon.
Following the phone call, Trump posted a message on Truth Social stating that negotiations with Iran were proceeding at a rapid pace.
For his part, Benjamin Netanyahu said that during the conversation he had emphasised Israel’s readiness to strike targets in Beirut if Hezbollah did not cease its attacks on Israeli territory. At the same time, he noted that the Israeli military would continue operations in southern Lebanon.
“Our position remains unchanged,” Netanyahu said.
One US official claims that during the conversation, Trump effectively forced the Israeli prime minister to abandon part of his plans. Meanwhile, Netanyahu’s office has not commented on the content of the talks.
According to sources, the draft memorandum being discussed by the United States and Iran provides for a cessation of hostilities in Lebanon. It is precisely this issue that has previously been the cause of tense exchanges between Trump and Netanyahu.
