“Everybody Hates You Now” Trump Reportedly Clashed With Netanyahu Over Lebanon Escalation, Warned Against Beirut Strike

Washington: US President Donald Trump reportedly had a tense phone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over Israel’s military escalation in Lebanon, according to a report by Axios.

Citing US officials and sources familiar with the discussion, the report said Trump strongly objected to Israel’s plans to intensify military operations in Lebanon, warning that further escalation could undermine ongoing diplomatic efforts with Iran and increase Israel’s international isolation.

According to Axios, Trump expressed frustration over Israel’s reported plans to strike targets in Beirut and questioned Netanyahu’s handling of the conflict. The US president was particularly concerned that expanded military action could derail negotiations aimed at reducing tensions across the Middle East.

The report also stated that Trump opposed Israeli plans that could result in significant civilian casualties in Lebanon, arguing that such actions would damage broader regional peace efforts. US officials said Trump believed Israel’s response to recent attacks by the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah was becoming disproportionate.

Following the conversation, an Israeli official reportedly told Axios that Israel no longer planned to carry out a strike on Beirut. Trump later described the call as “productive” and claimed that Netanyahu had agreed not to proceed with a major operation in the Lebanese capital.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said he had asked Netanyahu to refrain from launching a major raid on Beirut and thanked the Israeli leader for responding positively. He also claimed that representatives linked to Hezbollah had agreed to halt attacks on Israel, while Israel would likewise cease military action against the group.

Netanyahu later confirmed speaking with Trump but portrayed the discussion differently, saying Israel would continue military operations in southern Lebanon and would strike targets in Beirut if Hezbollah attacks persisted.

The reported disagreement highlights growing tensions between Trump and Netanyahu despite their long-standing political relationship. While the two leaders have often coordinated closely on issues involving Iran and regional security, sources told Axios that this was among their most contentious exchanges since Trump returned to office.

The developments come amid a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah. The renewed tensions have also complicated broader diplomatic efforts involving Iran, which has reportedly sought to include Lebanon-related security guarantees in any future agreement.

Lebanese officials said they had secured Hezbollah’s approval for a proposal backed by US Secretary of State Marco Rubio aimed at preventing attacks on Beirut’s southern suburbs while halting Hezbollah strikes on northern Israel. However, no immediate public response was issued by Hezbollah regarding the latest developments.

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