Israeli source disputes report of Trump insulting, yelling at Netanyahu in call on Lebanon strike

An Israeli official familiar with the details refuted claims that U.S. President Donald Trump personally insulted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a tense phone call regarding Israel's planned strike on Hezbollah targets in Beirut. The source insisted the disagreement centered on public messaging following the conversation, not personal attacks.

“

Trump did not get into personal insults with Netanyahu.

Axios had reported that Trump told Netanyahu, "everybody hates you now. Everybody hates Israel because of this," and yelled, "What the f*** are you doing?" A U.S. official characterized the call as one of Trump's most difficult with Netanyahu during his second term, suggesting Trump felt Netanyahu was overreacting to Hezbollah's attacks and objecting to Israel's destruction of buildings to target a single Hezbollah commander.

“

the tense exchange centered on “the statements by each side” after the conversation.

The dispute arose amid escalating tensions in northern Israel, where Hezbollah rocket and drone fire prompted Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz to order renewed attacks on Hezbollah targets in Beirut. These plans were reportedly delayed due to U.S. and Iranian intervention. Following the call, Trump announced that Israel would not send troops into Beirut and that Hezbollah had agreed to cease fire, in exchange for Israel not attacking them and them not attacking Israel. However, Netanyahu later stated that if Hezbollah continued attacking Israeli towns, Israel would strike terror targets in Beirut.

“

everybody hates you now. Everybody hates Israel because of this.

The decision to cancel the strike drew criticism from Israeli officials, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, and opposition figures who questioned Netanyahu's handling of the call and the broader security situation.

“

What the f*** are you doing?