Trump Reportedly Confronts Netanyahu in Heated Call Over Lebanon Escalation: “You’re Crazy”

U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly confronted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a heated phone call following Israeli strikes in Lebanon, with tensions centered on fears that the escalation could destabilize wider regional negotiations, according to Axios.

Sources familiar with the conversation said Trump expressed strong anger over Israel’s recent military actions and warned Netanyahu that continued escalation, particularly against Beirut, risked isolating Israel internationally. According to the reports, Trump also accused the Israeli leader of undermining diplomatic efforts linked to ongoing U.S.-Iran negotiations.

During the call, Trump reportedly used unusually blunt language. One source said he 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.” Another official described Trump as visibly frustrated, at one point shouting, “What the fuck are you doing?”

Despite the confrontation, sources said Trump acknowledged Israel’s security concerns and the right to respond to Hezbollah attacks. However, he argued that the scale of Israel’s recent military response in Lebanon had gone too far and risked wider escalation.

Trump also reportedly referenced his past political support for Netanyahu during the Israeli leader’s corruption trial, saying he had helped prevent further legal consequences, while accusing Netanyahu of ingratitude.

Netanyahu, according to his office, informed Trump that Israel intended to continue targeting Hezbollah positions and could strike Beirut if attacks on Israeli territory did not stop. Israeli officials maintained that operations in southern Lebanon would continue in parallel.

The call came amid broader diplomatic uncertainty surrounding a U.S.-mediated framework involving Iran and regional de-escalation efforts. Negotiators have been discussing a potential arrangement that could include a halt in hostilities linked to Lebanon, but progress remains fragile.

Israeli and Hezbollah exchanges of fire continued despite earlier indications from Washington that a temporary pause had been reached. Trump had previously suggested on Truth Social that both sides were moving toward a cessation of hostilities, but subsequent military activity appeared to contradict that announcement.

Israeli strikes hit southern Lebanon, while Hezbollah fired rockets toward northern Israel, with neither side offering clear confirmation of a formal ceasefire. Lebanese authorities have said Hezbollah agreed in principle to a U.S.-backed proposal involving reciprocal reductions in attacks, though implementation remains uncertain.

The renewed violence follows a sharp escalation in recent days, including intensified Israeli operations deep inside Lebanese territory and threats against Hezbollah strongholds near Beirut. The developments also come as U.S. and Israeli officials prepare for further talks in Washington focused on regional security arrangements.

Analysts cited in the reporting warn that continued instability in Lebanon could complicate U.S.-Iran negotiations, particularly as Tehran reportedly seeks assurances that any broader agreement would include regional de-escalation measures.

Despite the tensions, Trump later posted on his social media platform Truth Social that negotiations with Iran were progressing rapidly, though no formal breakthrough has been confirmed by all parties involved.