Tensions flare in Trump-Netanyahu call: 'You're a f***ing maniac, you'd be in prison if it weren't for me'

A striking allegation has emerged regarding a phone call between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu. According to a report by US-based Axios, citing senior American officials, Trump expressed his anger at Netanyahu over Israel's recent military operations in Lebanon.

TENSIONS FLARED DURING THE CALL

According to the information in the report, Trump acknowledged that Hezbollah had been attacking Israel and that Israel had the right to defend itself. However, Trump is said to have argued that the military force recently used by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in Lebanon was disproportionate, and to have stated that it was undermining efforts to maintain a ceasefire with Iran.

"YOU'RE A F***ING MANIAC"

According to Axios, Trump told Netanyahu during the call, "You're a f***ing maniac." He also reportedly referenced the ongoing corruption case against Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog's calls for a pardon, saying: "You'd be in prison if it weren't for me. I have your back. Everyone hates you. That's why everyone hates Israel. What do you think you're doing?"

Netanyahu is said to have responded to these remarks with: "OK, OK, make sure everything is fine."

The Israeli Prime Minister's Office made no statement regarding the allegations.

TRUMP: "I HAD A VERY PRODUCTIVE CALL"

Following the phone call with Netanyahu, Trump told the public that the conversation had gone positively.

Trump had said: "I had a very productive call with Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu. No troops will be sent to Beirut, and the troops that were on their way have already been turned back."

Trump also noted that contact had been established with Hezbollah through senior representatives, saying: "They have also agreed to stop all hostilities. Israel will not attack them, and they will not attack Israel."

NETANYAHU HAD SAID THE ATTACKS WOULD CONTINUE

Despite Trump's statements that the hostilities would end, Netanyahu had announced that operations in Lebanon would continue.

In his statement on the matter, Netanyahu said: "This evening I spoke with President Trump and told him that if Hezbollah does not stop attacking our cities and our citizens, Israel will strike targets in Beirut. This position has not changed. In parallel, the Israeli military will continue its operations in southern Lebanon as planned."

News Source: İHA