Published On 2/6/2026
Two American officials and an informed source reported that US President Donald Trump directed harsh criticism at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a phone call that was described as the “worst” between them, against the backdrop of the Israeli threat to bomb the Lebanese capital, Beirut.
According to the sources reported by Axios, Trump used a sharp tone, describing Netanyahu as “crazy” and accusing him of ingratitude, in reference to the support he had previously provided to him during his trial on corruption charges.
Trump also warned that targeting Beirut would deepen Israel’s isolation internationally, accusing Netanyahu of causing a decline in its image globally, as he told him: “Everyone hates you now, and everyone hates Israel because of this matter… What the hell are you doing?”
The sources indicated that Trump expressed extreme anger at a time when Iran was threatening to stop its negotiations with Washington due to Israeli operations in Lebanon.
“I’m the one who saved your neck”
The source added that Trump claimed that he helped keep Netanyahu out of prison, as he shouted at one point, saying, “You are completely crazy. If it were not for me, you would be in prison now. I am the one who saved your neck.”
On the other hand, an American official explained that Trump expressed understanding of Israel’s right to defend itself in the face of Hezbollah attacks, but he considered that expanding ground operations and targeting civilian areas, including destroying entire buildings to liquidate leaders, is a matter of concern and threatens stability.
Behind the scenes of the call, sources reported that Trump stressed that continuing this approach might undermine his diplomatic efforts with Tehran, especially in light of proposed proposals that include ending the fighting in Lebanon.
On the other hand, an Israeli official confirmed that Tel Aviv is not currently planning to strike targets inside Beirut, while Netanyahu explained in a later statement that he informed Trump that Israel will continue its operations if Hezbollah attacks continue, adding, “Our position has not changed.”
