President Donald Trump has confirmed calling Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu 'crazy' during a heated phone call this week, which halted planned Israeli airstrikes on Beirut. The remarks were made in an interview with conservative writer Miranda Devine on her podcast, 'Pod Force One.'
Core Facts:
- Trump acknowledged using the term 'crazy' and an expletive during a call with Netanyahu, expressing frustration over Israel's military operations in Lebanon.
- The call followed Netanyahu's order for airstrikes on Hezbollah strongholds in Beirut, which prompted Lebanese citizens to flee the area.
Deeper Context:
The Heated Call:
Trump stated he was 'perturbed' by Netanyahu's decision to escalate military operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon. The Israeli leader had ordered strikes in response to Hezbollah attacks on northern Israel. Netanyahu had previously urged Israeli troops to 'strike Hezbollah relentlessly' and later announced plans to target Beirut's southern suburbs, where Hezbollah leaders are based.
Iran's Response:
Iran, which backs Hezbollah, had been engaged in indirect negotiations with the U.S. over its nuclear program. The Israeli airstrikes led Iran to suspend these talks. Trump claimed in the same interview that Iran had agreed not to pursue nuclear weapons, though Tehran's stance has been ambiguous over the years.
Ceasefire and Tensions:
The U.S. and Israel have been working toward a broader ceasefire in the region, but Hezbollah's continued attacks and Israel's retaliatory strikes have complicated these efforts. Lebanese officials suggested Hezbollah would halt attacks if Israel refrained from striking Beirut, but the arrangement collapsed after Hezbollah launched additional rockets.
Political Implications:
The public acknowledgment of the rift between Trump and Netanyahu is rare, as the two leaders have historically maintained a close alliance. The dispute highlights differing approaches to regional security and the complexities of managing alliances amid ongoing conflicts.