Trump Accuses Netanyahu of ‘Crazy’ Lebanon Escalations, Claims He Would Be in Prison Without Him

President Trump reportedly lashed out at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a phone call on Monday, according to multiple U.S. officials and a third source.

In the conversation, Trump described Netanyahu as “fucking crazy” for his recent military escalations in Lebanon. He also reportedly told Netanyahu that he would be in prison if it weren’t for Trump’s support. The sources stated Trump put the brakes on Israel’s plan to strike Beirut, noting that following through with such an operation would further isolate Israel internationally. One official described Trump as claiming Netanyahu was “crazy” and that his intervention had kept Netanyahu out of jail during his corruption trial.

Another source reported Trump was “pissed” during the call and yelled at Netanyahu: “What the fuck are you doing?” Trump also indicated he knew Hezbollah had been shooting at Israel but felt Netanyahu’s recent escalations were disproportionate.

Earlier on Monday, Iran threatened to abandon negotiations with the U.S. over Israel’s actions in Lebanon. Later, Trump stated that he had persuaded Netanyahu to call off striking Beirut, saying the Israeli leader “turned his troops around.” He added that Hezbollah representatives had agreed to stop attacking Israel, though Trump noted the agreement might not last. Meanwhile, Netanyahu said Israel would target “terror targets” in Beirut if Hezbollah did not cease attacks.

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