US President Donald Trump reportedly had a heated phone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, strongly criticizing Israel’s escalating military actions in Lebanon and warning against plans to strike Beirut. The report, first published by Axios, cited US officials and sources familiar with the discussion.
According to the report, Trump accused Netanyahu of acting recklessly and expressed frustration over Israel’s expanding ground operation in southern Lebanon. He reportedly called Netanyahu “crazy” and warned that threats to bomb Beirut would further isolate Israel internationally. Sources said Trump believed recent Israeli actions were undermining broader diplomatic efforts involving Iran and Lebanon.
The reported exchange came after Iran warned it could abandon negotiations with Washington if Israeli military operations in Lebanon continued. US officials told Axios that the Trump administration has been attempting to prevent a wider regional conflict while pursuing diplomatic understandings linked to both Lebanon and Iran.
Sources quoted in the report claimed Trump reminded Netanyahu of his public support during the Israeli leader’s ongoing corruption trial, reportedly telling him that he had helped keep him out of prison. One US official described the conversation as one of the most tense exchanges between the two leaders since Trump returned to office.
The report further stated that Trump was particularly concerned about civilian casualties in Lebanon and objected to Israeli strikes that destroyed entire buildings while targeting individual Hezbollah commanders. Officials said Trump questioned the proportionality of Israel’s response and repeatedly pushed Netanyahu to avoid further escalation.
Meanwhile, Israeli officials reportedly shelved plans for strikes on Beirut following US pressure. Netanyahu’s office did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding the reported phone call. The developments come as efforts continue to secure a broader ceasefire arrangement involving Israel, Hezbollah and Iran-backed groups across the region.
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