Washington/Tel Aviv, Jun 2: US President Donald Trump reportedly launched a furious verbal attack on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a phone call over Israel’s escalating military operations in Lebanon, amid growing concerns in Washington that the conflict could jeopardise ongoing negotiations with Iran.

According to Axios, the heated exchange took place after Israel ordered strikes on Hezbollah targets in Beirut’s southern suburbs and expanded military operations in southern Lebanon, raising fears of a broader regional conflict.

Citing two US officials and another source briefed on the conversation, the report said Trump accused Netanyahu of pushing Israel towards international isolation and undermining American diplomatic efforts in the region.

One US official quoted Trump as telling Netanyahu: “You're f*****g crazy. You'd be in prison if it weren't for me. I'm saving your ass. Everybody hates you now. Everybody hates Israel because of this.”

Another source said an angry Trump shouted during the call: “What the f**k are you doing?”

The confrontation reportedly followed Israel’s decision to target Hezbollah-controlled areas in Beirut’s Dahiyeh district. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz justified the strikes by accusing Hezbollah of repeatedly violating a ceasefire agreement and launching attacks on Israeli territory.

The announcement triggered panic in Beirut’s southern suburbs, with residents fleeing the area amid fears of large-scale airstrikes.

Iran Raises Concerns
Iran, which backs Hezbollah, warned that continued Israeli military action in Lebanon could negatively impact ongoing negotiations with Washington aimed at reducing regional tensions after months of conflict.

Iranian officials have repeatedly maintained that a ceasefire in Lebanon is an essential component of any broader understanding with the United States.

US officials said Trump accepted Israel’s argument that it was responding to Hezbollah rocket and drone attacks but believed Netanyahu’s response was disproportionate.

According to one official, Trump was particularly disturbed by civilian casualties in Lebanon and opposed large-scale attacks conducted to eliminate individual Hezbollah commanders.

Israel Reportedly Scales Back Beirut Plans
The phone call appeared to have an immediate effect.

An Israeli official told Axios that Israel subsequently decided not to proceed with planned strikes against Hezbollah targets in Beirut.

Later, Trump claimed he had spoken with Netanyahu and that Israeli troops heading towards Beirut had been turned back. He also said Hezbollah, through intermediaries, had agreed to halt attacks on Israel.

“I had a very productive call with Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, adding that “there will be no Troops going to Beirut.”

Netanyahu Signals No Policy Shift
Despite Trump's remarks, Netanyahu indicated that Israel’s broader military strategy remained unchanged.

In a statement issued after the conversation, Netanyahu said Israel would continue military operations in southern Lebanon and warned that attacks on Beirut remained an option if Hezbollah continued firing on Israeli territory.

“Our position remains the same,” Netanyahu said.

The reported confrontation has highlighted growing tensions between the two leaders despite their close coordination on Iran and regional security matters.

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One US official described it as one of the most contentious conversations between Trump and Netanyahu since Trump returned to office, with Washington particularly concerned that the Lebanon conflict could derail sensitive US-Iran negotiations.

Despite the disagreement, Trump later insisted that talks with Iran were continuing “at a rapid pace.”