US president tells Israeli leader ‘you’re fking crazy’ and ‘you’d be in prison without me’ as tensions flare over Lebanon strikes.
US President Donald Trump sharply rebuked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a heated phone call, using strong language to criticise Israel’s continued military actions in Lebanon, according to multiple US officials cited by Axios.
The confrontation occurred as Israel pressed ahead with strikes in southern Lebanon, moves that Tehran has cited as a reason to suspend indirect talks with Washington. Trump reportedly told Netanyahu that his escalation was undermining efforts to reach a broader agreement with Iran.
“You’re f**king crazy. You’d be in prison if it weren’t for me. I’m saving your ass. Everybody hates you now. Everybody hates Israel because of this,” Trump is said to have told Netanyahu, according to officials familiar with the conversation.
Lebanon Strikes Spark US-Israel Friction:
The unusually blunt exchange highlights growing friction between the two leaders, even as Trump has long positioned himself as a staunch supporter of Israel. Sources said Trump was particularly angered by Netanyahu’s decision to expand operations in Lebanon, including plans that reportedly involved striking areas near Beirut, which the US president ordered halted.
The call came hours after Iran warned it would suspend negotiations with the United States unless Israeli attacks on Lebanon ceased, linking the regional ceasefire to progress on the wider US-Iran track.
Trump has been pushing for a diplomatic breakthrough with Tehran aimed at curbing its nuclear programme and regional influence, but Israeli actions risk derailing that path. US officials described Trump as “fuming” over what he sees as Netanyahu’s ingratitude and recklessness.
Growing Tensions Over Lebanon Operations:
Israeli officials have defended the operations as necessary to counter threats from Hezbollah, insisting they fall within the framework of self-defence permitted under existing understandings. However, the escalation has drawn international criticism and complicated Washington’s efforts to stabilise the region.
Lebanese authorities reported further strikes causing damage in southern towns, while Hezbollah vowed to respond proportionately.
Analysts say the public airing of tensions-even through anonymous leaks-reflects deep unease in the Trump administration about Netanyahu’s approach.
“Trump clearly believes he has gone out on a limb for Netanyahu, particularly regarding legal and political challenges in Israel, and expects alignment on strategic priorities,” said one Middle East policy expert who declined to be named.
The White House has not officially commented on the details of the call, but Trump has previously emphasised that he expects allies to coordinate closely with Washington.