Trump explodes at Netanyahu over Beirut strikes: 'You're fucking crazy'

A stormy call

The phone call between Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday was, by multiple accounts, explosive. According to Axios, the US president told the Israeli prime minister: "You're fucking crazy. If it weren't for me, you'd be in prison. I'm saving your ass. Everyone hates you now. Everyone hates Israel because of this." Trump also reportedly shouted, "What the fuck are you doing?" CNN similarly confirmed verbal attacks.

You're fucking crazy. If it weren't for me, you'd be in prison.

Trump's anger was triggered by Netanyahu's earlier video announcing orders to bomb the Dahiyeh suburb of Beirut, a Hezbollah stronghold, in response to what Israel called repeated ceasefire violations by the militant group. Iran had immediately warned it would suspend its negotiations with the US if the strikes proceeded.

Iran deal at stake

The US-Iran talks, brokered by Pakistan, are aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz, a vital oil shipping passage shut down since the US-Israeli offensive against Iran began on 28 February. Trump said the parties had "largely negotiated" a memorandum of understanding. Iran's Fars news agency reported the draft includes mutual non-aggression pledges, while Trump insists on dismantling Iran's nuclear programme and removing all enriched uranium before any final deal. The Lebanon front, however, has become a major obstacle.

The draft stipulates that the US and its allies will not attack Iran or its allies, and in return Iran pledges not to launch preemptive attacks on them.

Netanyahu under pressure

The Israeli prime minister faces growing domestic challenges. On Monday, the Knesset voted 106–0 to advance a bill to dissolve parliament, with early elections expected by autumn. His popularity has slipped as the multi-front war drags on. Allies of Netanyahu denied the personal insults, describing the conversation as "tense" but productive. Israeli analyst Amit Segal suggested a misunderstanding: Trump felt Netanyahu was implying a total war, while Netanyahu thought Trump demanded a complete ceasefire.

A fragile truce

Hours after the stormy call, Trump declared success on Truth Social: "I talked to Bibi Netanyahu today, asking him not to carry out an attack on Beirut in Lebanon. He turned his forces back. Thank you, Bibi!" He later told ABC News there was "a little glitch today, but I turned that one around very quickly." The US president said he had received guarantees from both Netanyahu and Hezbollah that they would not attack each other, and Lebanon's embassy in Washington confirmed the group's adherence.

However, Netanyahu quickly issued a statement undercutting the truce: "If Hezbollah does not stop attacks on our cities and citizens, Israel will attack terrorist targets in Beirut. Our position on this matter remains unchanged." The Israeli military also continued operations in southern Lebanon. The Lebanese Health Ministry reported that an Israeli strike near a hospital in Tyre killed four people and wounded 127, including 39 medical staff.

What's next

The Strait of Hormuz remains closed, and the Iran deal is not yet final. Israel insists on maintaining freedom of action in Lebanon, while Washington seeks a comprehensive settlement. The episode highlights the fragility of the US-Israel alliance at a critical juncture.