Everybody hates Israel, Trump blasts Netanyahu over Lebanon

US President Donald Trump reportedly lashed out at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a phone call earlier Tuesday, calling him “crazy” as he demanded that Israel agree to a ceasefire with Lebanon’s Hezbollah, and claimed the premier owes him for keeping him out of jail. Axios cites a US official summarizing Trump’s message to Netanyahu as follows: “You’re 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.” According to Axios, Trump accused Netanyahu of pushing Israel toward international isolation and jeopardizing US diplomatic efforts with Iran. Two US officials and another source briefed on the call said Trump complained that the Israeli leader was acting without regard for the consequences.
The confrontation followed a sharp escalation on Monday after Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz ordered attacks on Hezbollah-controlled areas of Beirut’s Dahiyeh district, citing repeated Hezbollah violations of a ceasefire and attacks on Israeli territory. The announcement sent residents fleeing the Lebanese capital’s southern suburbs amid fears of major airstrikes.
Iran, which backs Hezbollah, warned that continued Israeli attacks in Lebanon could undermine ongoing negotiations with Washington aimed at easing tensions after months of conflict. Iranian officials have repeatedly insisted that a ceasefire in Lebanon is a key component of any broader understanding with the United States. Trump is aware that Hezbollah has been firing repeatedly at Israel and that Jerusalem has a right to respond, he believes that the IDF has responded disproportionately in recent days, risking Washington’s efforts to secure a ceasefire extension with Iran — which is conditioning a deal on a truce in Lebanon.
The clash highlighted growing strains between the two leaders despite close coordination on Iran and regional security issues. One US official described it as one of the most contentious conversations between Trump and Netanyahu since Trump returned to office. Officials said Trump’s frustration stemmed largely from concerns that the Lebanon conflict could collapse ongoing US-Iran negotiations, which he later insisted were “continuing, at a rapid pace.”