U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that during a recent phone call, he harshly criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and called him "crazy" due to the military escalation in Lebanon. The American leader acknowledged this fact during an interview on the podcast "Pod Force One," responding to questions from host Miranda Devine.
A journalist asked Trump whether reports that he yelled at the Israeli Prime Minister using obscene language were true. The U.S. President answered affirmatively but quickly sought to soften the situation, stating that working relations between the leaders of the two countries remain intact. Trump explained that he was not very angry, but he was extremely outraged and concerned that Israel continues to conduct ongoing military operations on Lebanese territory. He added that he personally likes Benjamin Netanyahu very much and that they interact well, calling himself a "wartime president" and Netanyahu a "wartime prime minister."
Earlier, details of this conversation leaked to the press, in which Trump told Netanyahu that he would be in jail if it weren't for the help of the White House, and emphasized that because of the strikes on Lebanon, "everyone now hates Israel."
The reason for such an emotional reaction from Washington was that the actions of the IDF against the Hezbollah group complicate the large-scale diplomatic efforts of the U.S. aimed at signing a memorandum with Iran. Trump hopes to reach an agreement with Tehran soon and to ensure the resumption of safe shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
In the opinion of the White House chief, excessive military pressure from Jerusalem jeopardizes these negotiations. At the same time, Trump reminded that it is his administration that does everything to protect the Jewish state, stating that "if it weren't for him, Israel would no longer exist."
