WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump delivered a sharp rebuke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a tense telephone conversation on Monday, expressing anger over Israel’s escalating military operations in Lebanon despite a ceasefire and warning that further action could deepen Israel’s international isolation and jeopardise ongoing diplomatic efforts with Iran.
According to multiple sources familiar with the discussion, Trump strongly criticised Netanyahu’s approach to the Middle East conflict, particularly plans that had been under consideration to strike targets in Beirut.
The US president is said to have argued that such action would significantly worsen regional tensions, damage Israel’s standing among international partners and complicate broader efforts to maintain stability in the Middle East.
The conversation came amid heightened regional uncertainty, with Iran threatening to withdraw from ongoing negotiations with the United States over concerns related to Israel’s military campaign in Lebanon.
Sources indicated that Trump viewed the situation as increasingly dangerous and feared that continued escalation could undermine sensitive diplomatic initiatives currently under way.
Officials briefed on the call said Trump accused Netanyahu of pursuing a disproportionate military response despite acknowledging Israel’s right to defend itself against attacks by Hezbollah. While recognising that Hezbollah had continued launching strikes against Israeli territory, Trump expressed concern that Israel’s expanding military operations were causing excessive civilian casualties and destruction.
According to the sources, Trump objected to Israeli tactics that involved extensive bombardment and the destruction of residential structures to target individual Hezbollah commanders. The US president is said to have warned that such actions were fuelling international criticism and eroding support for Israel across the globe.
The call reportedly became increasingly confrontational as Trump voiced frustration with Netanyahu’s decisions. Sources familiar with the exchange described the conversation as one of the most strained interactions between the two leaders since Trump returned to office.
One official familiar with the matter said Trump warned Netanyahu that authorising strikes in Beirut would further isolate Israel internationally and intensify criticism from allies and adversaries alike.
The president argued that such military actions risked creating broader regional instability at a time when diplomatic efforts were focused on reducing tensions.
Following the conversation, Israeli plans to target Hezbollah positions in Beirut were reportedly shelved. An Israeli official later indicated that no immediate strikes on the Lebanese capital were planned, although military operations in southern Lebanon would continue.
In a statement issued after speaking with Trump, Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s position, saying that military action against targets in Beirut would remain an option if Hezbollah continued attacks against Israel.
He stressed that Israel would maintain its operations aimed at countering Hezbollah’s presence and activities in southern Lebanon. “Our position remains unchanged,” Netanyahu said, underscoring Israel’s determination to respond to security threats.
Analysts noted that Trump and Netanyahu have maintained close co-ordination on several major regional issues, particularly regarding Iran. However, officials suggested that the latest disagreement highlighted growing differences over how to handle the conflict in Lebanon and its broader implications for regional diplomacy.
Sources said Trump’s frustration was partly driven by concerns that a widening conflict could derail ongoing negotiations between Washington and Tehran. The US administration is pursuing a framework that includes provisions aimed at reducing hostilities in Lebanon as part of a broader diplomatic effort to stabilise the region.
Shortly after the call, Trump sought to project confidence regarding the diplomatic track, stating on social media that negotiations with Iran were continuing at a rapid pace.
Officials familiar with the discussions said the future of the talks remains closely linked to developments in Lebanon, making any further escalation a matter of significant concern for Washington.
The reported exchange underscores the delicate balance facing the United States as it seeks to support Israel’s security interests while simultaneously pursuing diplomatic initiatives designed to prevent a wider regional conflict.
With fighting continuing in southern Lebanon and negotiations with Iran still under way, the coming weeks are likely to prove critical for both regional security and international diplomacy.
