Trump Confirms Tense Exchange With Israeli PM, Admits Calling Netanyahu 'Crazy'

U.S. President Donald Trump has confirmed that he referred to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as "crazy" during a recent phone conversation, in remarks aired Wednesday. The exchange reportedly occurred as the two leaders discussed the conflict in Lebanon.

Responding to a report by Axios, which cited an anonymous U.S. official claiming Trump told Netanyahu he was "absolutely crazy," Trump stated, "I did." He elaborated in the "Pod Force One" podcast that he was "a little annoyed" by Netanyahu's persistent conflicts concerning Lebanon.

According to the Axios report, Trump allegedly told Netanyahu, "You're absolutely crazy. You'd be in jail if it weren't for me. I'm saving your ass. Everyone hates Israel right now because of you."

Trump indicated that he urged Netanyahu to cease hostilities in Lebanon, saying, "At one point I said, Bibi, we have to stop this. We have to stop this." These statements come as the United States seeks to uphold a recently announced ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah. Despite the ceasefire, violence has persisted, with Lebanese authorities reporting new Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon and near Beirut.

Trump also dismissed suggestions that Netanyahu influenced him to attack Iran, labeling such critics as "the enemy." He maintained that his relationship with Netanyahu is still strong, despite the candid and critical nature of their recent phone call.

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