Trump confirms heated phone call with Netanyahu over Lebanon operations

US President Donald Trump has publicly confirmed that he called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu 'f***ing crazy' during a phone conversation, acknowledging reports of a heated exchange between the two leaders. The confirmation came in an interview published by the New York Post, where Trump addressed the tense diplomatic moment that had been the subject of media speculation.

In the podcast interview, Trump admitted he was 'a little perturbed' during the call and accused Netanyahu of ingratitude. The harsh exchange reportedly centered on Israel's military actions in Lebanon and broader strategic decisions in the Middle East. Such direct and publicly confirmed expletives between allied leaders represent an unusual breach of typical diplomatic decorum.

Netanyahu's response to the reports has been notably measured, with the Israeli Prime Minister downplaying the friction and emphasizing areas of agreement. He specifically highlighted that both leaders share the goal of disarming Hezbollah in Lebanon, suggesting that despite the harsh words, fundamental policy alignment remains intact between the two countries.

The relationship between Trump and Netanyahu has historically been characterized as particularly close, making the public revelation of this conflict all the more significant. During Trump's previous presidency, the US supported several controversial Israeli positions, including recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital and moving the US embassy there. This background of cooperation makes the current tensions noteworthy in diplomatic terms.

The timing of this revelation adds complexity to an already challenging regional situation. Both countries are navigating intricate Middle East dynamics, including the situation in Lebanon, Hezbollah's role in the region, and broader tensions with Iran. Public disagreements between leaders can complicate the coordination necessary for effective policy implementation in such sensitive areas.

This is not the first time Netanyahu has experienced tensions with US presidents, suggesting that such friction may not be entirely unprecedented in the relationship. However, Trump's public confirmation of using such direct language provides a rare glimpse into the typically private world of high-level diplomatic disagreements.

The incident raises questions about how personal relationships between leaders affect broader diplomatic and strategic cooperation. While both sides emphasize that core objectives remain shared, the public nature of this disagreement could potentially impact the effectiveness of ongoing collaboration on regional issues.

Observers will be watching closely to see how this revelation affects future interactions between the two leaders and whether it has any lasting impact on US-Israel relations. The ability of both sides to move past this public disagreement while maintaining effective cooperation will be a test of the resilience of the bilateral relationship during a critical period in Middle East politics.