president Trump Launches Verbal Attack on Israeli PM Netanyahu Over Lebanon Escalation

U.S. President Donald Trump launched a profanity-laden attack on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday over Israel’s plans to escalate fighting in Lebanon, according to two senior U.S. officials and a third source briefed on the call.

Earlier, Iran threatened to abandon nuclear talks with the U.S. amid Israel’s military actions in Lebanon.

Trump Calls Netanyahu "Crazy," 

During the call, Trump called Netanyahu "crazy" and accused him of ingratitude, according to the sources. Trump also blocked Israel’s plan to attack Beirut, warning that such a move would further isolate Israel globally.

A senior U.S. official said Trump reminded Netanyahu that he had helped him avoid prison, referring to Trump’s past support for Netanyahu’s pardon request.

“Trump told Netanyahu: ‘You’re f***ing crazy. You’d be in prison if it weren’t for me. I’m saving your ass. Everyone hates you now. Everyone hates Israel because of what’s happening,’” the senior official summarized.

Trump Furious Over Escalation’s Impact on Iran Talks

A second source said Trump was "angry" and at one point yelled, "What the hell are you doing?"

The official noted that while Trump supports Israel defending itself against Hezbollah, he felt Netanyahu’s actions were disproportionate.

Trump also expressed concern over civilian casualties in Lebanon, opposing Israeli plans to demolish buildings in Beirut to target a Hezbollah leader.

Netanyahu Vows to Continue Operations

After the call, Trump posted on Truth Social that talks with Iran "continue, at a fast pace."

Netanyahu issued a statement saying he told Trump that Israel would strike targets in Beirut if Hezbollah did not stop firing at Israel, but that Israel would continue its operations in southern Lebanon in the meantime.

Mixed Accounts of the Call’s Tone and Outcome

A second U.S. official claimed the call played out differently, saying Trump "set up" Netanyahu, with Netanyahu agreeing to let Trump handle the ceasefire process.

Netanyahu’s office did not respond to requests for comment.

The call was reportedly one of Trump’s worst conversations with Netanyahu since returning to office in January 2025, as the Israeli escalation risked derailing Trump’s Iran negotiations.