President Donald J. Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are reported to have rowed in a heated phone call over planned Israeli strikes in Lebanon, which were later called off.
| PULSE POINTS |
❓ WHAT HAPPENED: President Donald J. Trump reportedly had a contentious phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu overnight, calling him “f**king crazy” and urging him to halt strikes in Lebanon that have helped to derail peace negotiations with Iran. The Islamic Republic, which supports Hezbollah in Lebanon, has demanded that Israel cease its military actions there before peace talks can resume. 💬 KEY QUOTE: “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.” – Trump to Netanyahu, per sources 📺 DETAIL: Sources familiar with the call between the pair claim Trump expressed frustration over Israel’s actions and pressed Netanyahu to avoid a major escalation in Beirut. Following the conversation, Israel scaled back plans for broader strikes. Trump confirmed in a Truth Social post, “I had a conversation with Bibi Netanyahu today, asking him not to conduct a major raid on Beirut, Lebanon. He turned his troops around. Thank you, Bibi!“ 🎯 IMPACT: The call suggests President Trump’s frustration with Israel may be be growing, as he seeks to strike a peace deal with Iran and reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for energy and fertilizer supplies. Iran has signaled it may return to talks under certain conditions, but tensions remain high following recent military exchanges involving U.S., Israeli, and Iranian-backed forces across the region. |
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