Trump loses his temper with Netanyahu in expletive-laden call on Israel's escalation in Lebanon: report

United States President Donald Trump reportedly engaged in a highly contentious phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, expressing strong disapproval of Israel's escalation in Lebanon. The conversation, described as expletive-laden by American news outlet Axios, saw Trump allegedly calling Netanyahu "crazy" and accusing him of ingratitude. Sources cited by Axios, including two US officials and a third briefed on the call, indicated that Trump's intervention may have halted Israel's plan to strike Beirut. Trump himself stated on his Truth Social platform that he had spoken with Netanyahu and Hezbollah representatives, leading to an agreement for a cessation of hostilities. The report suggests Trump told Netanyahu that bombing Beirut would further isolate Israel internationally and referenced his past support during Netanyahu's corruption trial, stating, "You'd be in prison if it weren't for me. I'm saving your a**."

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You’re f****** crazy. You’d be in prison if it weren’t for me. I’m saving your a**. Everybody hates you now. Everybody hates Israel because of this.

Further details from the Axios report, citing US officials, revealed Trump's concern over the high number of civilian casualties in Lebanon and his objection to Israel targeting single Hezbollah commanders by destroying buildings. One official described the call as one of Trump's most negative interactions with Netanyahu since the latter returned to office. The Israeli Prime Minister's office, in response, stated that Netanyahu informed Trump that Tel Aviv would strike Beirut if Hezbollah did not cease firing, and that Israel would continue its military operations in southern Lebanon. However, Axios reported that Trump "steamrolled" Netanyahu during the call, with the Israeli prime minister reportedly agreeing to Trump's demands.

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What the f*** are you doing?