Trump blasts Netanyahu over Lebanon attack, calls him 'Crazy'

A reported high-stakes phone call between U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has laid bare the growing friction between the two allies over the escalating conflict in Lebanon. According to reports from Axios, the conversation turned explosive as Trump lashed out at Netanyahu, allegedly calling him "crazy" and accusing him of ingratitude. The President’s frustration appears rooted in Israel’s broadening military operations in Beirut, which Trump believes are jeopardizing rapidly progressing peace negotiations between the United States and Iran.

The timing of this diplomatic rift is critical, as Lebanon remains a central pillar in the ongoing U.S.-Iran talks. Iran had reportedly paused communications with intermediaries on Monday to protest Israel’s expanded campaign, a move that prompted Trump’s direct intervention. During the heated exchange, Trump reportedly yelled at the Israeli leader, questioning his strategic direction and asserting that Israel's actions were isolating it globally. Trump reminded Netanyahu of past political and legal support, suggesting the Prime Minister’s current path was undermining the very stability the U.S. is trying to broker.

Following this intense intervention, the volatile situation saw a moment of temporary de-escalation. Taking to Truth Social, Trump announced that he had a "very productive" call with "Bibi" Netanyahu and confirmed that Israeli troops would not be advancing into Beirut. He further claimed that military units already moving toward the Lebanese capital had been ordered to retreat. In a surprising turn, Trump also stated that he had communicated with Hezbollah representatives who agreed to a cessation of hostilities, provided Israel halted its strikes.