Opinion: Why is a harsh Trump call to Netanyahu being 'leaked'?

An opinion piece published by Dagens Nyheter questions the veracity and motives behind reports of a severe phone call where Donald Trump allegedly berated Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The article, authored by Emma Bouvin, suggests that "official U.S. sources" might be strategically leaking such information, rather than the event necessarily occurring as reported.

While acknowledging Trump's history of strong rhetoric and public criticism of Netanyahu, particularly regarding the October 7th Hamas attacks, Bouvin finds the specifics of this alleged call difficult to verify. She raises questions about who was present during the conversation and their potential agendas, especially given the delicate geopolitical climate, including stalled negotiations with Iran and its threats concerning the Strait of Hormuz.

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Did Donald Trump yell 'you are not quite right, everyone hates you' to Benjamin Netanyahu? That is not what we should be pondering. The real question is why 'official American sources' want us to believe it.

The author posits that such leaks could serve a strategic purpose, aiming to project an image of Trump's decisiveness and shared concern with adversaries over potential Israeli actions in Beirut. Alternatively, it might be a tactic to employ a "good cop, bad cop" dynamic. Bouvin advises readers to focus on Trump's direct communications on social media, even if those statements are not entirely factual, as they represent his own pronouncements.

Netanyahu's response, posted on X, stated he had spoken with Trump and warned that Israel would strike terror targets in Beirut if Hezbollah did not cease its attacks. He asserted that Israel's stance remained unchanged and the IDF would continue operations in southern Lebanon. Bouvin notes this response was unusually reserved regarding Trump, especially coming from Netanyahu, who typically emphasizes his close ties with U.S. presidents.

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I spoke tonight with President Trump and told him that if Hezbollah does not stop firing at our cities and citizens, Israel will attack terror targets in Beirut. Our position remains unchanged. Meanwhile, the IDF will continue to operate as planned in southern Lebanon.