Key facts
- Donald Trump reportedly called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu 'f***ing crazy' during a phone call.
- The call concerned Israel's military actions and threats to resume air strikes on Beirut.
- Trump warned Netanyahu that 'Everybody hates Israel' due to the actions.
- Trump publicly confirmed he was 'a little bit perturbed' by Netanyahu's actions.
- Netanyahu's political opponents criticized him for ceding Israeli sovereignty to the U.S.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly used the expletive 'f***ing crazy' during a heated phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu concerning Israel's military actions and threats to resume air strikes on Beirut. Trump warned Netanyahu that 'Everybody hates Israel' due to these actions, a sentiment he later publicly confirmed as being 'a little bit perturbed.' The call, described by Israeli officials as among the most heated the premier has had with Trump, has exposed public strains between the two leaders, contrasting with Netanyahu's previous efforts to portray a uniquely strong relationship. Opposition leader Yair Lapid criticized Netanyahu, suggesting he had ceded Israeli sovereignty to the U.S. Nimrod Goren, president of the Israeli think tank Mitvim, noted that such differences are now 'very public,' unlike in the past when they were managed privately. The situation arises as Israel faces international criticism over its military operations, particularly from within the U.S., while Netanyahu's government is also dealing with domestic political pressures ahead of elections.