Donald Trump reportedly told Benjamin Netanyahu: “You’re f****** crazy… what are you doing?" (Al-generated)
US President Donald Trump sharply criticised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a phone call over Israel’s actions in Lebanon, according to Axios, citing US officials familiar with the exchange.
One official said he warned that such a move would further isolate Israel internationally.
According to sources quoted by Axios, Trump told Netanyahu: “You’re f****** crazy… what are you doing? You’d be in prison if it weren’t for me. I’m saving your a**. Everybody hates you now. Everybody hates Israel because of this.”
Another official said Trump raised concerns about civilian casualties and objected to strikes that involved heavy damage to limited targets. He acknowledged Israel’s right to respond to attacks from Hezbollah but said the recent escalation went too far.
Story continues below this ad
Concern over wider impact
The call came at a time when tensions in the region were already high. Iran had signalled it could step back from ongoing talks with the United States due to Israel’s actions in Lebanon.
Following the conversation, Israel decided not to carry out a planned strike on targets in Beirut, an Israeli official told Axios. However, Netanyahu said Israel would continue its military operations in southern Lebanon.
In a statement, he said Israel would act if Hezbollah continued its attacks, adding: “Our position remains the same.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu: “I spoke this evening with President Trump and told him that if Hezbollah does not stop firing at our cities and citizens – Israel will strike terrorist targets in Beirut.
This position of ours remain unchanged.
Concurrently, the IDF will…
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) June 1, 2026
Trump and Netanyahu have had tense exchanges in the past but have continued to work together on key issues, including Iran.
One official described this call as among the “most difficult” between the two leaders in recent months. Despite the tension, both sides remain in contact as the situation in the region develops.
The Express Global Desk at indianexpress.com which delivers authoritative, verified, and context-driven coverage of key international developments shaping global politics, policy, and migration trends. The desk focuses on stories with direct relevance for Indian and global audiences, combining breaking news with in-depth explainers and analysis.
A major focus area of the desk is US immigration and visa policy, including developments related to student visas, work permits, permanent residency pathways, executive actions, and court rulings. The Global Desk also closely tracks Canada’s immigration, visa, and study policies, covering changes to study permits, post-study work options, permanent residence programmes, and regulatory updates affecting migrants and international students.
All reporting from the Global Desk adheres to The Indian Express’ editorial standards, relying on official data, government notifications, court documents, and on-record sources. The desk prioritises clarity, accuracy, and accountability, ensuring readers can navigate complex global systems with confidence.
Core Team
The Express Global Desk is led by a team of experienced journalists and editors with deep expertise in international affairs and migration policy:
Aniruddha Dhar – Senior Assistant Editor with extensive experience in global affairs, international politics, and editorial leadership.
Nischai Vats – Deputy Copy Editor specialising in US politics, US visa and immigration policy, and policy-driven international coverage.
Mashkoora Khan – Sub-editor focusing on global developments, with a strong emphasis on Canada visa, immigration, and study-related policy coverage. ... Read More
Share
Donald Trump reportedly told Benjamin Netanyahu: “You’re f****** crazy… what are you doing?" (Al-generated) 
