Trump Says He Was Frustrated Over Lebanon Escalation
US President Donald Trump has confirmed that he called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “crazy” during a heated phone call over Israel’s military actions in Lebanon.
Trump made the admission during an interview on the “Pod Force One” podcast. He was asked about reports that he had used strong language against Netanyahu while the United States was trying to reduce tensions linked to Iran and Lebanon.
“I did,” Trump said when asked whether he had called Netanyahu crazy.
However, Trump said he was not fully angry. He described himself as “a little bit perturbed” by Netanyahu’s continued fighting with Lebanon.
The call reportedly took place while Washington was working to secure progress in indirect talks with Iran. The situation became more complicated as Israel continued military action in Lebanon against Hezbollah-linked targets.
US Pushes for Calm as Regional Tensions Grow
Trump said he told Netanyahu that the fighting had to stop. He added that he still has a good relationship with the Israeli leader.
“At some point, I said, we’ve got to stop this,” Trump said.
According to reports, the phone exchange was intense and included strong criticism from Trump. The US president was reportedly concerned that Israeli actions in Lebanon could damage wider diplomatic efforts with Iran.
Iran has said it will not agree to a deal with the United States unless any ceasefire arrangement also covers Lebanon. Israel invaded Lebanon in March while pursuing Hezbollah, an Iran-aligned group that had fired across the border in support of Tehran.
A US-mediated understanding was announced on Monday. It led Israel to step back from attacking Hezbollah-controlled areas in southern Beirut. Hezbollah also agreed to halt cross-border strikes.
Fighting Continues Despite Ceasefire Push
Despite the diplomatic effort, violence has continued. Lebanese security sources said Israeli drone strikes killed at least six people in southern Lebanon on Wednesday. Another strike reportedly targeted a vehicle south of Beirut.
Israel said it intercepted a hostile aircraft that was likely launched by Hezbollah.
Trump also rejected the suggestion that Netanyahu had pushed him into attacking Iran. He called such criticism unfair and said his opponents were trying to damage his position.
The remarks highlight growing pressure on Washington as it tries to manage relations with Israel, reduce fighting in Lebanon and keep Iran negotiations alive.
The episode also shows visible tension between Trump and Netanyahu, even as Trump insists the two leaders continue to get along well.
