Trump attacks Netanyahu: Sharp disagreement over Lebanon threatens the region
In a striking development reflecting unprecedented tension in relations, US President Donald Trump launched a scathing attack on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling him "crazy" during a heated phone call over Israel's military escalation in Lebanon. This dispute, details of which were revealed by the news website Axios, highlights a deep divergence of views between two allies historically considered among the closest, and raises questions about the future of their coordination amidst the volatile situation in the Middle East.
Background to the tension: From close alliance to bitter dispute
This verbal clash comes as a surprise to many observers, given the close relationship between Trump and Netanyahu during Trump's first term. That period was marked by unwavering American support for Israel, exemplified by historic decisions such as moving the US embassy to Jerusalem, recognizing Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, and sponsoring the Abraham Accords, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab states. This long history of cooperation makes the current dispute a potential turning point, suggesting that the strategic risks of the current escalation in Lebanon outweigh considerations of past personal alliances.
Details of the stormy phone call that shook the relationship
According to Axios, citing US officials and a source familiar with the matter, Monday's phone call was filled with insults, with Trump expressing his outrage at Netanyahu's plans to expand military operations in Lebanon. The sources reported that Trump strongly opposed Israeli strikes on Beirut, warning that such a move would further isolate Israel internationally. The US president also expressed concern that Israel's response to Hezbollah attacks was "disproportionate," fearing a large number of civilian casualties in Lebanon, which could drag the entire region into a full-blown war.
Why is Trump attacking Netanyahu? Fears of a regional war
The main reason Trump is attacking Netanyahu so harshly is the fear that the escalation in Lebanon could ignite a wider regional war. The Trump administration is striving to avoid sliding into another conflict in the Middle East, especially since any full-scale war between Israel and Hezbollah would not remain confined to them, but would likely draw in other regional powers, most notably Iran, the party's main backer. According to the report, Trump's anger also stems from his fear that this escalation could derail the sensitive negotiations underway with Iran regarding its nuclear program, a top priority for the US administration.
As a result of the pressure: mutual pledges to cease fire
It appears that American pressure has finally paid off. In a subsequent post on his Truth Social platform, President Trump announced that Netanyahu had pledged during the "very productive" phone call not to send troops to Beirut. Trump wrote, "No troops will be going to Beirut, and any troops that were en route have already turned back." In a notable move, Trump also revealed that he had a "very good call" with Hezbollah through intermediaries, and that the group had agreed to a ceasefire. He added, emphasizing, "Israel will not attack them, and they will not attack Israel," indicating the success of diplomatic efforts in temporarily defusing the crisis.
