FILE PHOTO: Former U.S. President Donald Trump attends the Trump Organization civil fraud trial, in New York State Supreme Court in the Manhattan borough of New York City, U.S., November 6, 2023. REUTERS/Brendan McDermid/Pool/File Photo
WASHINGTON, June 2 (ANI) — U.S. President Donald Trump sharply criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a tense telephone conversation on Monday, blaming Israel’s military actions in Lebanon for increasing international criticism of the country, according to a report by Axios.
The exchange reportedly followed Iran’s warning earlier in the day that it could suspend diplomatic engagement with Washington over continued military operations in Lebanon.
According to Axios, Trump became increasingly frustrated with Israel’s actions and at one point asked Netanyahu, “What the f*** are you doing?”
A U.S. official cited by Axios said Trump viewed Israel’s response to Hezbollah attacks as excessive and objected to the destruction of entire buildings to target a single Hezbollah commander.
The report also said Trump expressed concern over Israel’s escalating threats against Beirut.
Another source familiar with the conversation told Axios that Trump remarked, “Everybody hates you now. Everybody hates Israel because of this.”
Following the call, Netanyahu’s office released a statement maintaining that Israel’s position had not changed.
However, a U.S. official quoted by Axios said Trump had effectively “steamrolled” the Israeli prime minister during the conversation.
According to the report, Netanyahu ultimately responded by saying, “OK, OK, just make sure everything is taken care of.”
Another administration official described the exchange as one of the most difficult conversations between Trump and Netanyahu since the start of Trump’s second term in office.
After the call, Trump outlined the outcome of the discussion on social media.
In a post on Truth Social, the U.S. president said Netanyahu had “turned his troops around” after he personally urged the Israeli leader not to launch a major operation in Beirut.
Trump also reiterated that diplomatic negotiations with Iran remain active despite the regional tensions.
In a subsequent post, he said discussions with Tehran were continuing “at a rapid pace.”
The developments come amid ongoing efforts by Washington to preserve a fragile ceasefire framework while addressing escalating tensions involving Israel, Hezbollah, and Iran. (ANI)
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