Trump reportedly called Netanyahu ‘crazy’ in heated phone call over Lebanon strikes

US President Donald Trump reportedly had a heated exchange with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, during which he called the Israeli leader “knettergek” (crazy). The conversation took place after Netanyahu ordered strikes on the southern suburbs of Beirut, the Lebanese capital.

Source: NOS Voetbal, citing Axios

Escalation in Beirut

The phone call was initiated following the Israeli military’s directive to strike Beirut’s southern outskirts. According to Axios, which cited two US officials and a third source, Trump expressed significant anger and frustration during the conversation.

One US official reportedly conveyed that Trump warned Netanyahu that bombing Beirut would further isolate Israel. The former President is also quoted as having shouted, “What in God’s name are you doing?”

“Without my help, you would be in prison right now. I helped you out of trouble, and everyone hates you now. Everyone hates Israel because of this,” Trump allegedly told Netanyahu, according to one of the officials.

Past Support and Current Concerns

Sources suggest Trump’s strong reaction might stem from his past support for Netanyahu, particularly when the Israeli Prime Minister faced corruption, bribery, and fraud charges in 2019. Trump had previously described the legal proceedings against Netanyahu as a “political witch hunt” and had asked Israeli President Herzog multiple times to grant Netanyahu a pardon.

The report indicates that Trump’s outburst was also linked to his belief that Netanyahu had excessively escalated the conflict with Hezbollah in recent days. The US President was reportedly concerned about the significant number of civilian casualties in Lebanon resulting from Israeli attacks.

Trump’s Public Statements vs. Private Conversation

Following the phone call, Trump posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, stating that he had a “very productive phone call” with Netanyahu. He also claimed that Israeli troops advancing towards Beirut had been turned back, with “troops on the way already sent back.” Additionally, Trump stated he had contacted Hezbollah through “high-level representatives” and that the pro-Iranian militia had agreed to cease attacks.

Hezbollah has not yet formally responded to Trump’s claims.

Netanyahu’s Response

Prime Minister Netanyahu did respond, issuing a warning. He reportedly told Trump that Israel would attack targets in Beirut if Hezbollah’s attacks did not stop. Netanyahu also made it clear that the Israeli military would continue to operate in southern Lebanon “according to plan.”

Impact on Regional Tensions

This reported exchange highlights the complex and often volatile dynamics of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its regional implications. Trump’s alleged direct and forceful intervention, coupled with Netanyahu’s firm stance, underscores the intense diplomatic pressures and military considerations at play. The involvement of figures like Trump in such sensitive geopolitical moments can significantly influence international perceptions and the trajectory of the conflict. For readers of FootballGames10, this news provides context to the broader geopolitical landscape that can indirectly influence global sports events and player movements, particularly concerning athletes from or playing in affected regions.

Datos clave
| Aspecto | Descripción |
|—|—|
| Declaración de Trump | Supuestamente llamó a Netanyahu “knettergek” (loco). |
| Motivo del llamado | Orden de Netanyahu de atacar suburbios de Beirut. |
| Preocupaciones de Trump | Aislamiento de Israel, bajas civiles, escalada con Hezbollah. |
| Declaración pública de Trump | Describió la llamada como “muy productiva”. |

Fuente: NOS Voetbal, https://nos.nl/l/2616771

Datos clave