Trump Intensifies Pressure on Netanyahu Over Lebanon and Iran Actions

Former U.S. President Donald Trump has escalated his public criticism of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, voicing strong disapproval of Israel's military actions in Lebanon and its handling of Iranian retaliatory strikes. Trump's recent remarks reveal a significant rift and mounting pressure on the Israeli leader.

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We did not coordinate with Israel, and I am unhappy about it.

According to reports, Trump had previously called Netanyahu "crazy" during a phone call concerning Israel's intensified operations in Lebanon, reportedly telling the prime minister he would have been in prison without his support. Trump reiterated his displeasure in a recent phone interview with Fox News, stating, "We did not coordinate with Israel, and I am unhappy about it." He expressed frustration that after he had reportedly intervened to halt an Israeli bombing of Beirut, the strikes resumed.

Furthermore, Trump directly advised Netanyahu against retaliating against Iran's missile attacks. "I will call Bibi (Netanyahu's nickname) and tell him not to retaliate," Trump said in a call with Axios. "Both sides have had their fun. Israel hit, Iran hit. It is not necessary anymore." He emphasized his hope that Israel would not retaliate, warning that continuing the cycle would perpetuate conflict, "like the last 47 years, like the last 3,000 years."

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I will call Bibi (Netanyahu's nickname) and tell him not to retaliate. Both sides have had their fun. Israel hit, Iran hit. It is not necessary anymore.

Trump also asserted that Netanyahu has no choice but to accept a U.S.-brokered ceasefire and peace agreement with Iran, stressing that the U.S. president "decides everything." He declared, "He has no other choice. I decide, I decide everything. He doesn't decide." This direct intervention signals a significant shift in U.S. policy and Trump's assertive stance on regional conflicts.

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He has no other choice. I decide, I decide everything. He doesn't decide.

Netanyahu, addressing the deteriorating relationship, stated in a recent interview that while tactical differences exist, major issues align. He expressed confidence that they would find solutions as "good friends." However, he remained tight-lipped about the specifics of Trump's reported expletive-laden phone call, hinting at lingering tension despite his public assurances.

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Tactical differences exist, but on major issues, we are in agreement. We always find a way to solve problems as good friends. Even if we disagree in the morning, we can find common ground in the afternoon.