West Asia
'You're f***ing crazy': Trump blasts Netanyahu over Israel's escalation in Lebanon
Washington DC/IBNS: US President Donald Trump is reportedly furious with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over Israel's latest escalation against Lebanon, which has threatened to derail ongoing diplomatic efforts involving the United States and Iran, media reports said.
What Did Trump Tell Netanyahu?
According to an Axios report, Trump sharply criticized Netanyahu during a phone call on Monday (local time), accusing the Israeli leader of undermining efforts to ease tensions in the region.
The US President allegedly called Netanyahu "crazy" and suggested that Israel's military actions were damaging both Israel's international standing and ongoing peace initiatives.
Trump also reportedly referred to Netanyahu's corruption trial and claimed he had helped shield the Israeli Prime Minister from legal and political troubles.
"You're f***ing 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 told Netanyahu, NDTV reported, citing Axios.
At another point in the conversation, an angry Trump reportedly asked Netanyahu: "What the f*ck are you doing?"
Trump Claims Netanyahu Heeded His Advice
Later, Trump took to Truth Social and claimed that Netanyahu had reversed plans for a major military operation in Beirut following their conversation.
"I had a conversation with Bibi Netanyahu today, asking him not to go into a major raid of Beirut, Lebanon. He turned his Troops around. Thank you Bibi!" Trump wrote.
The US President further claimed that representatives of Hezbollah had also agreed to halt attacks on Israel.
"I also had a conversation with Representatives of the Leaders of Hezbollah, and they agreed to stop shooting at Israel, and its soldiers. Likewise, Israel agreed to stop shooting at them. Let's see how long that lasts — Hopefully it will be for ETERNITY!" he added.
Background: Renewed Israel-Hezbollah Hostilities
Tensions between Israel and the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement have remained high since the outbreak of the Gaza war. Cross-border exchanges of fire along the Israel-Lebanon frontier have repeatedly raised fears of a wider regional conflict.
In recent weeks, hostilities have intensified, with Israeli strikes targeting Hezbollah positions in Lebanon and the militant group launching rockets and drones into northern Israel. The violence has displaced thousands of civilians on both sides of the border and drawn international calls for restraint.
The latest escalation comes at a sensitive time as Washington seeks to reduce tensions across the Middle East while pursuing diplomatic engagement with Iran, a key backer of Hezbollah.
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