Trump ‘loses his fury’ with Netanyahu over Lebanon escalation in 2-hour phone call: Axios story
- US President Donald Trump reportedly scolded Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a contentious phone chat over Israel’s increasing military actions in Lebanon, US officials told Axios.
The source said Trump blasted Netanyahu for preparations to intensify strikes in Beirut and was angry over the spread of the violence in Lebanon. The US president used strong words in the call and accused the Israeli leader of an irresponsible escalation, sources said.
Trump also informed Netanyahu that more military action in Beirut could further Israel’s international isolation, Axios reported. Trump also said in the article that he mentioned his previous political backing for Netanyahu and said he had helped him through difficult times.
The call came amid rising tensions as Israel has stepped up its military operation against Hezbollah sites in Lebanon, sparking fears of civilian fatalities and damage to infrastructure.
Trump later said he had spoken to Netanyahu and intermediaries tied to Hezbollah, and implied a temporary understanding had been reached to avoid further violence.
But Israeli officials said military operations will continue as long as attacks on Israeli territory continued, especially in southern Lebanon where ground operations have widened.
Axios said the US president eventually pressed Netanyahu to scale down immediate plans, characterizing the call as one of the most heated between the two leaders since Trump’s return to office.
Neither the White House nor the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office has commented in detail on the purported interaction.