Mark Levin demands FBI probe into Trump-Netanyahu call leak: 'A violation of federal law'

WASHINGTON, DC: The controversy over President Donald Trump’s reported confrontation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has taken a new turn after conservative commentator Mark Levin called for an investigation into how details of the private conversation leaked.

Levin’s comments come after reports surfaced on Monday, June 1, that Trump had berated Netanyahu in a telephone call over mounting tensions with Lebanon and Hezbollah, a story that quickly drew global attention and sparked questions about US-Israel cooperation.

Mark Levin calls the leak a 'grave disservice' to US and Israel

In a statement posted online, Levin described the disclosure as a "violation of federal law" and called for authorities to identify whoever shared details of the conversation with the media.

Levin took to X (formerly Twitter) to slam the Axios report, which cited two unnamed US officials and a third, anonymous source.

“The leak in Axios was a violation of federal law and provided support to the Iranian regime and its Hezbollah proxy,” he wrote.

“Whomever leaked that story to [Barak] Ravid at Axios did a grave disservice to our country, to our president, to Israel, and to Israel’s prime minister. The Iranian regime will benefit from that leak, viewing us as weak and desperate for a deal — even coming to Hezbollah’s defense. The Israeli people will also be furious. The missiles are aimed at them, not Washington,” Levin added. 

He argued the leak could undermine ongoing diplomatic and security efforts involving the US, Israel, Iran, and Hezbollah.

Levin also warned that adversaries could interpret the reported disagreement between Trump and Netanyahu as a sign of weakness or division at a sensitive moment in regional negotiations and military planning. He urged the FBI to investigate the source of the leak.

“And for 100 other reasons, what was thought to be a devastating political hit on Netanyahu by the leakers about a private call between heads of state has done much damage to us and our military and our diplomatic strategy,” Levin continued.

“And if the leakers or others believe Israel should abandon its survival for some deal, they will have a very hard lesson to learn. If the substance of the call is accurate, it is bad enough in my view. Will there be an FBI investigation to determine who leaked? If not, why not?”

Why this development matters

Levin's demand for an investigation also reflects a larger debate that frequently follows high-profile national security leaks: whether the greater issue is what was said or how the information reached the public.

On Monday, Axios reported that Trump had an angry, profanity-filled conversation with Netanyahu, allegedly calling the Israeli Prime Minister “crazy,” filled with “ingratitude” and demanding to know, “What the f*** are you doing?” alongside a slew of other insults.

The report surfaced after Iranian state media claimed Iran suspended negotiations with the US due to Israel’s actions in Lebanon, in response to rocket fire into Israel from Hezbollah.

Private conversations between allied leaders often involve military assessments, diplomatic strategy, and negotiations that governments expect to remain confidential.

When such discussions become public, officials worry that they can complicate relationships, affect ongoing talks, and reduce trust between partners.