Trump confirms calling Netanyahu 'fucking crazy' amid Lebanon de-escalation talks
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed calling Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "fucking crazy" during a call about de-escalation in Lebanon.
- Trump stated he was "a little annoyed" by Netanyahu's actions but insisted they work well together.
- The comments came amid reports of U.S. frustration over Israeli actions potentially jeopardizing a fragile ceasefire and peace talks with Iran.
President Donald Trump confirmed he called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "fucking crazy" during a phone call discussing de-escalation efforts in Lebanon. Trump acknowledged being "a little annoyed" by Netanyahu's actions but maintained that he and the Israeli leader have a strong working relationship.
I was a little annoyed by his constant confrontations with Lebanon.
Sources familiar with the matter had previously told Axios that Trump's remarks reflected frustration with Israel's intensified offensive in Lebanon. This offensive reportedly risked undermining a fragile ceasefire and complicating peace talks between the U.S. and Iran. Trump's reported statement to Netanyahu was, "You're fucking crazy," after Netanyahu warned of attacking "terrorist targets" in Beirut if Hezbollah did not halt its attacks on Israel.
Following the call and subsequent contacts with Hezbollah, Trump announced that both Israel and the Shiite group had committed to halting their attacks. This announcement came after Tehran had paused its own talks with Washington in retaliation for Israeli strikes in Lebanon. Trump, however, denied any suspension in negotiations, asserting they were ongoing. The U.S. and Iran have been exchanging drafts for an agreement to end the war and secure the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil trade route.
I like Bibi a lot. And I work very well with him.
In the same podcast interview, Trump expressed a desire to meet Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Jamenei, suggesting a meeting might occur depending on future developments.
You're fucking crazy.
Originally published by El Universal in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.