Trump fumes at Netanyahu in heated phone call over Lebanon escalation

US President Donald Trump has lashed out at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over Israel's escalation in Lebanon in a profanity-laden phone call, Axios reported.

Trump reportedly described Netanyahu as "crazy" and accused him of being ungrateful.

He also intervened to halt Israel's proposed military attacks against Beirut.

According to the report, Trump warned Netanyahu that carrying out threats to bomb the Lebanese capital would only deepen Israel's international isolation.

He reportedly said that he had played a key role in keeping Netanyahu out of prison.

Trump slams Netanyahu

Summarising Trump's comments during the conversation, one US official said: "You're f*** crazy. You'd be in prison if it weren't for me. I'm saving your a**. Everybody hates you now. Everybody hates Israel because of this."

Another source familiar with the call said Trump was "pissed" and at one point shouted at Netanyahu: "What the f*** are you doing?"

Trump was reportedly troubled by the high civilian death toll in Lebanon and criticised Israeli attacks.

Trump's anger appeared to be driven by the fact that Netanyahu's decision to escalate in Lebanon was threatening to implode his negotiations with Iran.

After the call, Trump posted on Truth Social that the Iran talks were "continuing, at a rapid pace."

Separately, an Israeli official told Axios that Israel is no longer intending to carry out strikes against Hezbollah targets in Beirut.

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Source: TRT