WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump has confirmed reports that he sharply rebuked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over Israel’s military escalation in Lebanon, acknowledging that he called the Israeli leader “f****** crazy” during a recent phone conversation.
Speaking with Miranda Devine of the New York Post on the “Pod Force One” podcast, Trump said he was frustrated by Netanyahu’s continued military actions in Lebanon, which he feared could undermine broader efforts to secure peace in the region.
“I did. I wouldn’t say angry, I was a little bit perturbed at his constantly fighting with Lebanon,” Trump said when asked about the reported exchange. “At some point, I said, ‘Bibi, we’re gonna stop this. We got to stop it.’”
Trump confirms he told Netanyahu he’s ‘f–king crazy,’ but they work well together as ‘wartime president’ and ‘wartime prime minister’ | Steven Nelson & Miranda Devine, New York Post
President Trump confirmed in an exclusive “Pod Force One” interview with The Post’s Miranda… pic.twitter.com/A1SHNWxaLw
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Despite the blunt remarks, Trump emphasised that he maintains a strong relationship with Netanyahu. “I like Bibi a lot. We’ve worked very well together,” he said, describing both leaders as wartime figures facing difficult challenges.
Trump also voiced optimism about ongoing efforts to reach an agreement with Iran, saying negotiations were “rapidly evolving” and suggesting that a deal could be achieved soon. He reiterated that preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon remains a top US objective.
The comments come amid a fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran and growing concerns that renewed fighting involving Israel and Lebanon could derail diplomatic efforts aimed at ending months of regional conflict.
Trump further claimed he had taken steps to prevent a wider confrontation in Lebanon, saying he had pressed for restraint and sought to keep the ceasefire process on track while broader negotiations continue.
