American President Donald Trump had a highly tense phone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday amid Israel’s escalating military operations in Lebanon.
Following the discussion, Israel backed down from its plan to target Hezbollah sites in Beirut, according to an Israeli official. Information about the heated exchange between the two leaders was reported by Axios, citing two American officials and a third source familiar with the conversation.
According to sources, Trump was furious that Israel's actions in Lebanon were jeopardizing negotiations his administration was conducting with Iran.
"You're completely crazy"
Two of the sources cited by Axios stated that Trump called Netanyahu "crazy" and accused him of ingratitude.
An American official summarized the message conveyed by the White House leader as follows: "You're completely crazy. You would be in jail if it weren't for me. I'm saving your skin. Everyone hates you now. Everyone hates Israel because of this."
According to the same sources, Trump referred to the support he had provided to Netanyahu in the context of the corruption charges the latter is facing in Israel.
Another source familiar with the discussion stated that the American President was "furious" and at one point raised his voice: "What the hell are you doing?"
Trump: An attack on Beirut would further isolate Israel
An American official stated that Trump informed Netanyahu that carrying out threats to bomb the Lebanese capital would further isolate Israel internationally.
According to the source, the American leader understands that Hezbollah continues to launch attacks on Israel and that the Israeli state has the right to defend itself. However, Trump believes that Israel's response in recent days has become disproportionate.
In addition to the threats regarding Beirut, Israel has expanded its ground operations in southern Lebanon.
A second American official stated that Trump is concerned about the high number of civilian casualties in Lebanon and opposed the tactic of demolishing entire buildings to eliminate a single Hezbollah commander.
Israel gives up the plan regarding Beirut
After the conversation between the two leaders, Israel no longer intends to target Hezbollah sites in Beirut, an Israeli official told Axios.
According to the American publication, although Trump and Netanyahu have had difficult discussions in the past, they have continued to closely cooperate on issues regarding Iran and regional security.
An American official described this conversation as one of the most tense between the two leaders since Trump returned to the White House.
Shortly after the discussion, the American President posted on the Truth Social network that negotiations between the United States and Iran are "proceeding rapidly."
Netanyahu: "Our position remains the same"
In a statement released after the call, Benjamin Netanyahu stated that he informed Trump that Israel would target objectives in Beirut if Hezbollah does not cease attacks on Israeli territory.
Additionally, the Israeli Prime Minister specified that the army will continue its operations in southern Lebanon. "Our position remains the same," Netanyahu wrote.
However, one of the American officials cited by Axios claims that in reality, Trump completely dominated the discussion.
"Bibi said, 'OK, OK, just make sure everything is settled,'" the official said.
The office of the Israeli Prime Minister did not respond to Axios' request for comments.
- CNN: Trump, increasingly frustrated, seriously considering resuming military operations against Iran
Stakes: Negotiations between the US and Iran
According to sources cited by the American publication, the memorandum currently being negotiated between Washington and Tehran includes a provision for the cessation of fighting in Lebanon.
This is also one of the main sources of tension between Trump and Netanyahu. Axios notes that the document under negotiation has previously sparked harsh exchanges between the two leaders.