According to the American news site Axios, sources revealed that on June 1st, during a conversation filled with profanity, U.S. President Donald Trump criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for escalating the situation in Lebanon.
Two sources said that during the conversation, Trump called Netanyahu mad and accused him of being unthankful. He also prevented Israel from carrying out its plans to attack Beirut, the capital of Lebanon.
An American official said that Trump told Netanyahu that if he bombed Beirut, it would further isolate Israel in the international community.
The American official quoted Trump as saying, Youre completely crazy. If it werent for me, you would have been in prison long ago. Ive been trying to save you. Now everyone hates you, and everyone also hates Israel because of this.
Another source who knew the details of the conversation said that Trump was very angry. He shouted at Netanyahu, What the hell are you doing?
The aforementioned U.S. officials stated that Trump was aware of Hezbollahs continuous attacks on Israel, and that Israel had to defend itself. However, they believed that Netanyahus recent military actions in Lebanon were overreactions.
According to reports, in addition to threats against Beirut, the Israeli forces have also expanded their ground operations in southern Lebanon.
Another American official stated that Trump is concerned about the number of civilian deaths caused by Israel in Lebanon. He also opposes Israels decision to destroy an entire building in order to eliminate a Hezbollah commander.
The official said that Trump suppressed Netanyahu during the call. Netanyahu said, Okay, okay, just make sure everything is arranged properly.
An official stated that this call was one of the most tense conversations between Trump and Netanyahu since Trump returned to the White House.
Reports suggest that Trumps anger seems to stem from Netanyahus decision to escalate the situation in Lebanon, which threatens his negotiations with Iran.
After the call ended, Trump posted a message on social media, stating that negotiations with Iran were progressing rapidly.
Netanyahu issued a statement after the call, saying that he told Trump that if Hezbollah did not stop attacking Israel, Israel would attack targets in Beirut. Additionally, Israel would continue its military operations in southern Lebanon.
Netanyahu wrote, Our position remains unchanged.
An Israeli official told Axios News that Israel no longer plans to target Hezbollah targets in Beirut.
