Jakarta, ThedailyID — U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly lost patience with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over Israel’s recent military actions in Lebanon, which risk disrupting ongoing negotiations between the United States and Iran.
According to Axios, Trump vented his frustration during a tense phone call with Netanyahu on Monday. The conversation reportedly included harsh language as Trump criticized Israel’s escalating operations in Lebanon.
Two U.S. officials and another source familiar with the call told Axios that Trump warned Netanyahu against carrying out threats to bomb Beirut. Trump reportedly argued such actions would further isolate Israel on the international stage.
Sources said Trump reminded Netanyahu of his past support during the Israeli leader’s corruption trial. He reportedly claimed he had helped protect Netanyahu politically during that period.
“You’re crazy. You would be in prison if it wasn’t for me. I’m saving you,” Trump reportedly told Netanyahu, according to sources cited by Axios.
Another source familiar with the conversation said Trump became visibly angry and at one point shouted, “What the fuck are you doing?”
U.S. officials said Trump acknowledged Israel’s right to defend itself against attacks from Hezbollah. However, he reportedly viewed Israel’s recent military response as disproportionate.
Trump also expressed concern over civilian casualties in Lebanon. According to U.S. officials, he objected to large-scale strikes that destroyed buildings to target individual Hezbollah commanders.
The latest dispute adds to a series of tense exchanges between Trump and Netanyahu. The two leaders have previously disagreed over policy toward Iran, despite maintaining close coordination on regional issues.
One U.S. official described the latest call as one of the most difficult conversations between the two leaders since Trump returned to office.
Following the call, Trump wrote on Truth Social that negotiations with Iran were continuing rapidly.
Meanwhile, an Israeli official told Axios that Israel no longer planned to strike Hezbollah targets in Beirut. However, Netanyahu later stated that Israel would continue military operations in southern Lebanon unless Hezbollah halted attacks against Israel.
“Our position remains unchanged,” Netanyahu said.
Axios also reported that a memorandum currently under negotiation between Washington and Tehran includes efforts to end fighting in Lebanon. The issue has reportedly become a major source of tension between Trump and Netanyahu.
Iran has repeatedly insisted that a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah must form part of any broader agreement with the United States. On Monday, Tehran warned it could withdraw from negotiations if Israeli operations in Lebanon continue.
