President Donald Trump reportedly erupted during a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after Israel threatened to resume strikes on Beirut, according to multiple reports citing officials familiar with the conversation.
The dispute came after Israel warned it could target Beirut's southern suburbs following attacks by Hezbollah. The threat raised concerns that a renewed escalation could derail ongoing diplomatic efforts involving Iran and widen regional tensions.
According to sources briefed on the call, Trump accused Netanyahu of escalating the situation unnecessarily and warned that further strikes on Beirut would deepen Israel's international isolation. One official summarized Trump's remarks as: "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." Sources also said Trump shouted, "What the fuck are you doing?" during the exchange.
Reports said Trump was particularly concerned that the escalation could jeopardize negotiations with Iran. Following the call, plans for a strike on Beirut were reportedly halted, although Netanyahu later maintained that Israel would continue military operations against Hezbollah and reserved the right to strike Beirut if attacks persisted.
The exchange was described by officials as one of the most tense conversations between the two leaders since Trump's return to office.
