'You're f**king crazy': Trump rebukes Netanyahu over Lebanon strikes
Trump was angered by Israeli strikes in Lebanon, which he believed were jeopardising negotiations aimed at ending wider conflict in the Middle East
US President Donald Trump sharply criticised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over Israeli military operations in Lebanon, according to reports of a heated phone call that underscored tensions between the two leaders as diplomatic efforts with Iran gathered pace.
Trump was angered by Israeli strikes in Lebanon, which he believed were jeopardising negotiations aimed at ending wider conflict in the Middle East, according to sources familiar with the matter, says Axios.
During the exchange, Trump reportedly shouted, "What the f**k are you doing?" as he confronted Netanyahu over the military campaign.
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A US official briefed on the call said Trump also told Netanyahu: "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."
The strikes threatened ongoing negotiations involving Iran, which had initially called off talks because of the continued military action in Lebanon. Trump later intervened in an effort to keep the diplomatic process alive.
Following discussions with both Netanyahu and representatives of Hezbollah, Trump announced that Israel and Hezbollah would no longer attack each other, signalling a possible de-escalation after weeks of tensions.
However, Netanyahu publicly maintained that Israel would continue its military operations. Responding to the developments, he said: "This stance of ours remains unchanged. In parallel, the IDF will continue to operate as planned in southern Lebanon."
Netanyahu also reiterated that Israel would strike targets in Beirut if Hezbollah did not cease its attacks.
The disagreement highlighted differing approaches between Washington and Jerusalem at a time when Trump said a broader diplomatic breakthrough with Iran could be near.
In an interview with ABC News, Trump described the prospect of a peace agreement with Iran as "Even better than a military victory."
Asked when such an agreement could be finalised, Trump replied: "I think you're talking about over the next week."
According to Trump, a potential deal could include extending a ceasefire and reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a vital shipping route for global energy markets.
The developments reflected the delicate balance between military operations and diplomatic negotiations in a region where efforts to secure a broader settlement remain fragile.
