President Donald Trump publicly confirmed that he called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "crazy" during a tense phone conversation over Israel's military plans in Lebanon, shedding new light on an extraordinary confrontation between two leaders whose alliance has long been viewed as one of the strongest pillars of U.S.-Israeli relations.
The disclosure came as Washington intensified efforts to prevent a broader regional conflict involving Israel, Hezbollah and Iran. Trump acknowledged the remarks during an appearance on the New York Post's "Pod Force One" podcast, where he was asked about reports that he had sharply criticized Netanyahu during a recent call.
"I did," Trump said when asked whether he had called the Israeli leader "effing crazy." He added, "I wouldn't say angry. I was a little bit perturbed at his constantly fighting with Lebanon, you know."
The exchange reportedly occurred as Israeli officials considered additional military operations targeting Dahieh, a southern Beirut suburb widely regarded as a Hezbollah stronghold. According to reports cited by U.S. officials, Washington feared that further escalation could jeopardize ongoing diplomatic efforts, including sensitive negotiations involving Iran.
The reported call marked one of the most public signs of friction between Trump and Netanyahu since Trump returned to the White House. One U.S. official familiar with the conversation described Trump's message as blunt, saying it could be summarized as: "You're f--king 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 official told reporters the president was "pissed" and at one point shouted, "what the f--k are you doing?" as discussions over Israel's military plans intensified.
Despite the heated exchange, both leaders later projected a more cooperative public message. Shortly after the call, Trump wrote that he had a "very productive" conversation with Netanyahu and suggested the immediate crisis had been defused.
"and there will be no Troops going to Beirut, and any Troops that are on their way, have already been turned back," Trump said.
The president also claimed progress with Hezbollah through intermediaries.
"Likewise, through highly placed Representatives, I had a very good call with Hezbollah, and they agreed that all shooting will stop - That Israel will not attack them, and they will not attack Israel," Trump said.
Netanyahu's public response reflected a different tone. In a statement released after the conversation, the Israeli leader emphasized that Israel's strategic position had not changed and warned that military action remained possible if Hezbollah continued attacks across the border.
"I spoke this evening with President Trump and told him that if Hezbollah does not cease attacking our towns and our citizens, Israel will strike terrorist targets in Beirut," Netanyahu said. He added that "Our position remains the same."
The dispute unfolded against a broader diplomatic backdrop. Trump also stated this week that negotiations with Iran were "continuing at a rapid pace," even as reports suggested Tehran had threatened to abandon talks amid escalating regional violence. Iranian officials had not publicly responded to Trump's comments at the time of publication.
Meanwhile, regional actors appeared to signal support for a temporary de-escalation. Iran's state-run IRNA news agency reported that Hezbollah would honor a ceasefire if Israel did the same and withdrew from contested areas. The Lebanese Embassy in Washington similarly indicated that Hezbollah had accepted terms for a "mutual cessation of attacks."
NBC News reported that clashes continued Tuesday despite public statements suggesting progress toward a ceasefire arrangement.
