United States President Donald Trump has acknowledged a tense phone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, confirming reports that he sharply criticised his longtime ally over the ongoing conflict involving Lebanon.
In an interview published Wednesday by the New York Post, Trump was asked about reports that he confronted Netanyahu in unusually blunt terms during a phone call on Monday.
When asked whether he had told the Israeli leader, “Are you crazy? What are you doing? I helped you stay out of jail,” Trump replied: “I did.”
The US president explained that he was frustrated by what he described as Israel’s continued military actions involving Lebanon.
“I was a little bit perturbed at his constantly fighting with Lebanon,” Trump said.
“I told him, ‘Bibi, we’ve got to stop this.’”
Despite the sharp exchange, Trump insisted that his relationship with Netanyahu remains strong.
“We’ve done well together,” he said. “I like Bibi a lot.”
Reports by Axios and ABC News suggested that Trump’s frustration stemmed from Israeli threats to launch strikes on Beirut, a move he reportedly feared could derail ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at ending the wider Middle East conflict.
The reported confrontation highlights growing strains between two leaders who have long been viewed as close political allies.
The conflict traces its origins to a military campaign launched against Iran in February, which later expanded to include Israeli operations targeting Lebanon.
Israeli media outlets have disputed the reported details of the conversation, questioning the accuracy of accounts describing the exchange.
A White House official, however, pointed reporters to statements Trump posted on Truth Social on Monday, in which he thanked Netanyahu for what he described as an agreement to pull Israeli forces back from Beirut.
The development comes amid reports that Iran suspended peace negotiations due to continued Israeli military operations in Lebanon, raising fresh concerns about efforts to ease tensions across the region.
While both leaders continue to publicly affirm their relationship, the latest episode underscores the diplomatic challenges facing Washington and Tel Aviv as they navigate an increasingly volatile Middle East landscape.
