Donald Trump reportedly launched a furious tirade at Benjamin Netanyahu after the Israeli prime minister threatened to resume airstrikes on Beirut's southern suburbs, according to Axios. The US president allegedly shouted, 'What the fuck are you doing?' and told Netanyahu, 'You're fucking crazy. You'd be in prison if it weren't for me. I'm saving your ass. Everybody hates you now. Everybody hates Israel because of this.'
The phone call on Monday came after Netanyahu ordered the Israeli military to resume bombing the Dahiya area of Beirut, targeting Hezbollah. The Israel Defense Forces issued evacuation warnings, causing thousands to flee. The report, contested by Israeli media, cited a US official summarizing Trump's remarks.
Iran announced on Tuesday it would suspend peace talks with the US over Israel's campaign in southern Lebanon, insisting that a ceasefire covering Lebanon was necessary for negotiations on the Strait of Hormuz and lifting the US blockade of Iranian ports. The call occurred shortly after Trump claimed a preliminary deal was under consideration.
Channel 12, an Israeli news network, disputed the account, with analyst Amit Segal stating Trump did not attack Netanyahu personally and that they agreed Netanyahu would refrain from attacking Beirut suburbs if Hezbollah ceased attacks. Trump and Netanyahu have a history of strained relations, though Israel remains a key US ally.
Trump faces pressure from pro-Israel Republicans urging a tougher stance on Iran and others seeking a rapid end to the conflict ahead of mid-term elections. Netanyahu is also under domestic pressure, with parliament advancing a bill to dissolve the Knesset and his corruption trial ongoing.
