President Trump took Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to task during a phone call on Monday, sharply criticizing the Israeli leader's military campaign in Lebanon, according to three sources familiar with the conversation. Axios first reported the details, citing two U.S. officials and a third source briefed on the call.
During the heated exchange, Trump reportedly called Netanyahu “crazy” and accused him of ingratitude, at one point yelling, “What the f— are you doing?” The outburst came after Netanyahu ordered the Israel Defense Forces to strike Hezbollah targets in the Dahiyeh district of Beirut, escalating a conflict that has simmered since October 2023 despite a ceasefire that took effect in November 2024.
The White House has not commented on the report. The Hill has reached out for confirmation.
The call underscores growing tensions between the two allies as Trump pushes for a broader peace deal with Iran. Tehran has warned that Israeli strikes in Lebanon violate the ceasefire Washington and Tehran agreed to on April 7. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi wrote on X that “the ceasefire between Iran and the US is unequivocally a ceasefire on all fronts, including in Lebanon. Its violation on one front is a violation of the ceasefire on all fronts. The US and Israel are responsible for the consequences of any violation.”
Trump, who has touted ongoing talks with Iran on a lasting peace, initially described the call with Netanyahu as “productive.” On his Truth Social platform, the president wrote, “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 also claimed he spoke with representatives of Hezbollah leaders, stating, “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!”
Netanyahu offered a different account, writing on X that he told Trump “that if Hezbollah does not cease attacking our cities and citizens—Israel will attack terror targets in Beirut.” He added that the IDF “will continue to operate as planned” in southern Lebanon, while the capital Beirut, located on the eastern coast, remains a potential flashpoint.
The dispute comes as Trump faces scrutiny over his administration's handling of Middle East policy. The president’s relationship with Netanyahu has been a rollercoaster, marked by public warmth and private friction. This latest blowup signals a potential rift as Trump seeks to balance support for Israel with his broader diplomatic ambitions.
Analysts note that Trump’s willingness to publicly criticize Netanyahu reflects a shift in strategy, as he aims to project control over regional dynamics. The Israeli prime minister’s defiance, however, suggests that the two leaders may be on a collision course, with implications for the fragile ceasefire and U.S.-Iran negotiations.
