“You’d Be in Prison If It Weren’t for Me”: Trump Reportedly Berates Netanyahu in Fiery Phone Call

A tense phone conversation between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly exposed growing disagreements between Washington and Tel Aviv over Israel's military operations in Lebanon.

According to an Axios report citing US officials and sources familiar with the discussion, Trump strongly criticised Netanyahu during a call on Monday as Israel continued its bombardment of Lebanon. The conversation came at a particularly sensitive moment, with Iran warning that ongoing attacks could derail negotiations with the United States.

Trump Reportedly Unleashes Sharp Criticism

Sources quoted by Axios claimed that Trump lashed out at Netanyahu over Israel's actions and their impact on regional stability. During the exchange, Trump allegedly referred to the Israeli leader as "crazy" and accused him of failing to appreciate American support.

Summarising Trump's remarks, a US official told Axios:

"You're f**king crazy. You'd be in prison if it weren't for me. I'm saving your a*s. Everybody hates you now. Everybody hates Israel because of this."

Another source told the publication that Trump also shouted:

"What the f**k are you doing?"

The report further stated that Trump reminded Netanyahu of his support during the Israeli prime minister's corruption trial and argued that Israeli threats to strike Beirut were worsening the country's international standing.

US officials cited in the report said Trump was particularly angered by civilian casualties in Lebanon and attacks on buildings allegedly targeted because of Hezbollah-linked figures.

Iran Warns Negotiations Could Collapse

The reported confrontation occurred as Iran signalled that its diplomatic engagement with Washington could be at risk.

Iran has repeatedly linked progress in talks with the United States to developments in Lebanon. Earlier on Monday, Tehran warned that continued Israeli military action could lead it to abandon negotiations altogether.

Iranian parliamentary speaker and chief negotiator Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf discussed the situation with Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri and issued a strong warning.

In a post on X, Ghalibaf wrote:

"In my conversation with my brother, Mr Nabih Berri, the Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament, I emphasised that if the crimes of the Zionist regime in Lebanon continue, we will not only halt the dialogue process but also stand firmly against them."

He ended the message with a declaration of support for Lebanon and regional resistance movements:

"Long live the resistance! Long live the defence of the motherland! Long live the brotherhood of the Iranian and Lebanese peoples!"

Netanyahu Stands Firm Despite Pressure

Following the reported phone call, Netanyahu publicly maintained Israel's position on the conflict.

The Israeli prime minister stated that he informed Trump Israel would continue targeting locations in Beirut if Hezbollah attacks persisted. He also stressed that military operations in southern Lebanon would continue.

"Our position remains the same," Netanyahu said.

However, one US official quoted by Axios offered a different interpretation of the conversation, claiming Trump had effectively dominated the discussion.

According to the official:

"Bibi said, 'OK, OK, just make sure everything is taken care of.'"

The same source described the encounter as one in which Trump had "steamrolled" Netanyahu.

Partial Ceasefire Announced in Lebanon

Hours after the diplomatic confrontation, Lebanon announced a partial ceasefire arrangement between Hezbollah and Israel.

While the agreement does not formally end the conflict, Lebanon's embassy in Washington said it includes commitments aimed at reducing hostilities. Under the understanding, Israel is expected to avoid strikes on Beirut and Hezbollah-controlled suburbs, while Hezbollah would suspend attacks against Israel.

The development represents a limited step toward de-escalation in a conflict that has claimed thousands of lives and intensified tensions across the region amid the broader confrontation involving Israel, Iran and the United States.

Axios also reported that Israel is no longer planning strikes against Hezbollah targets in Beirut, suggesting that international pressure may already be influencing military decisions.