Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly clashed furiously over their next steps in Iran in what was described as a "shouting match from hell."
Israeli media outlet Ynet reported that during a phone call between the two leaders last weekend to discuss their strategies, Netanyahu was pushing for renewed military action, while Trump appeared more inclined to maintain a diplomatic approach. One source said the call was "a shouting match from hell."
White House statement and Israeli denial
A White House statement sent to Fox News read: "The United States is in a very strong position with control of the Strait of Hormuz and the Iranian economy collapsing. The President has been clear that the greatest naval blockade in history, Operation Economic Outcast, and the new Operation Iron Gate will continue with full effect. President Trump holds all the cards and will do whatever is best for the United States."
Meanwhile, Netanyahu's office denied that the furious confrontation took place, while a senior Israeli official said the call did take place and was "very much not a difficult conversation."
Previous confrontation in June
A previous confrontation between the US and Israeli leaders erupted back in June, when Trump said Netanyahu was "f****** crazy" for wanting to carry on bombing Beirut. At the time, the US President warned the Israeli Prime Minister that widening the conflict risked wrecking fragile negotiations with Iran and deepening international hostility towards Tel Aviv.
Trump then claimed that following the call, the planned retaliatory attacks on a militia stronghold in Beirut were abandoned and troops heading towards the Lebanese capital were turned back. The US President also described discussions with both Netanyahu and militia representatives as "very productive."
Growing criticism and shifting public opinion
The US President also warned that both Netanyahu and his government were becoming increasingly hated because of the spiralling civilian death toll and relentless military escalation. This came amid a growing shift in American public opinion at the time over continued military and financial support for Tel Aviv, as billions of dollars in taxpayer money continued to flow into the conflict.
