Trump admits heated call with Netanyahu over Lebanon strikes
WASHINGTON, DC: US President Donald Trump has acknowledged that he had a heated conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu after Israel launched strikes in Lebanon that risked undermining ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Speaking on the Pod Force One podcast hosted by the New York Post, Trump confirmed reports that he sharply criticized Netanyahu during a phone call following Israeli attacks targeting Hezbollah positions in Lebanon.
The conversation reportedly took place at a delicate moment, with Washington attempting to advance negotiations aimed at reducing tensions across the Middle East and preventing a wider regional war.
Trump stopped short of describing himself as angry but admitted he was frustrated by Israel’s continued military operations in Lebanon.
“I don't want to say angry,” Trump said during the interview. “I was a little bit perturbed at his constantly fighting with Lebanon. At some point I said, ‘Bibi, we gotta stop this, we gotta stop it.’”
President backs details of call with Netanyahu
The remarks appeared to validate details first reported by Axios, which cited US officials and a source familiar with the discussion.
According to the report, Trump told Netanyahu that he was acting recklessly and reminded the Israeli leader of the political support he had received from Washington.
When asked directly whether the reported comments were accurate, Trump responded, “I did.”
The disclosure offers a rare glimpse into tensions between two leaders who have long portrayed their relationship as one of the strongest alliances in international politics.
Despite acknowledging the disagreement, Trump emphasized that his overall relationship with Netanyahu remains positive.
“We’ve gotten along very well together,” he said, suggesting that the dispute was tied to specific military actions rather than a broader rupture in ties between the two leaders.
Lebanon strikes continue amid regional tensions
Israel has continued carrying out strikes in Lebanon against Hezbollah, the Iran-backed militant group that has been engaged in cross-border hostilities with Israeli forces.
Lebanese authorities say more than 3,000 people have been killed in Israeli strikes since early March, underscoring the growing humanitarian and security concerns associated with the conflict.
The escalation has complicated efforts by the United States and regional mediators to prevent further expansion of the war and to preserve momentum for negotiations involving Iran.
Trump sees Strait of Hormuz crisis easing
During the same interview, Trump expressed optimism that tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz would ease in the coming months.
Asked whether disruptions linked to the conflict could continue through the US Labor Day holiday, Trump said such a scenario was unlikely. “I think this will resolve itself fairly quickly,” he said, while acknowledging uncertainty over how events might unfold.
Trump on midterms and foreign policy
Trump was also asked whether the conflict with Iran could affect Republican prospects in the upcoming midterm elections.
The president declined to make predictions but argued that his political endorsements remain a powerful force in US politics.
“Every single person I endorse wins,” Trump said, while stressing that broader national security concerns remain the administration’s immediate priority as it seeks to contain instability in the Middle East.
