Trump confirms profanity-laced Netanyahu call over Lebanon
President Trump confirmed on Wednesday that he sharply criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over Lebanon during a tense call, as Axios first reported.
Why it matters: Trump’s confirmation signals a widening divide between the two leaders, over both the fighting in Lebanon and the war with Iran.
What he’s saying: Miranda Devine asked Trump on her New York Post podcast if he called Netanyahu “fucking crazy” and that he would be in prison if not for Trump.
- “I did,” Trump replied.
- “I wouldn’t say angry. I was a little bit perturbed at his constantly fighting with Lebanon, you know. At some point I said, ‘Bibi, we’ve got to stop this. We gotta stop it,'” Trump added.
- He then mentioned he likes Netanyahu and has worked well with him.
Catch up quick: Trump lashed out at Netanyahu over Israel’s escalation in Lebanon in an expletive-laden call Monday.
- The call came after Iran threatened to abandon negotiations with the U.S. over Israel’s actions in Lebanon.
- U.S. officials said Trump told Netanyahu to stand down from plans to bomb Beirut, and he warned that such a move would further isolate Israel globally.
Behind the scenes: Summarizing Trump’s remarks to Netanyahu, a U.S. official said: “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.”
- A second source briefed on the call said Trump was “pissed” and at one point yelled at Netanyahu: “What the fuck are you doing?”
- After the call, Netanyahu aborted the plan to bomb Beirut, and Trump announced a new ceasefire.
