Key facts
- Donald Trump confirmed calling Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu 'effing crazy'.
- Trump stated he was 'perturbed' by Netanyahu's constant fighting in Lebanon.
- The call reportedly occurred while the U.S. was negotiating with Iran.
- Trump told Netanyahu they needed to stop the conflict.
- Hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah have continued despite a U.S.-mediated deal.
U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed he called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu 'effing crazy' in an expletive-filled phone exchange regarding the conflict in Lebanon. Trump stated in a podcast interview that he was 'a little bit perturbed' by Netanyahu's constant fighting and told him they needed to stop it. The conversation reportedly took place on Monday, the same day a U.S.-mediated deal was announced to curb cross-border attacks between Israel and Hezbollah. According to an Axios report, Trump told Netanyahu, 'You're fucking 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.' Trump also asserted that without him, Israel might not exist. Hostilities have continued despite the U.S.-mediated agreement, with Israeli drone strikes killing at least six people in southern Lebanon and targeting a car near Beirut on Wednesday, while Israel reported intercepting a hostile aircraft. Iran has stated it will not agree to a deal with the U.S. to end the war unless a ceasefire also covers Lebanon. Trump also hit back at claims he only started the war with Iran because he was 'tricked' into the conflict by the Israeli prime minister, stating he initiated it to prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Benjamin Netanyahu downplayed tensions with Donald Trump, stating that their differences are 'tactical' and that they share the same goals, while calling Trump the 'greatest friend that Israel has ever had in the White House.' Trump later wrote on Truth Social that his call with Netanyahu helped avert a broader Israeli operation in Lebanon, with troops being turned back from Beirut. However, Israeli national security minister Ben Gvir urged Netanyahu to defy Trump and strike Hezbollah.