02.06.2026 06:30
Tensions rose in a reported phone call between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump allegedly reacted strongly, arguing that Israel's military operations in Lebanon were disrupting diplomatic balances in the region. The conversation is considered one of the most strained interactions between the two leaders in recent times.
According to a report by US-based Axios, citing senior US and Israeli officials, a phone call between Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu was extremely tense. The report stated that Trump believed Israel's attacks on Hezbollah in Lebanon disrupted regional diplomatic balances and therefore reacted harshly to Netanyahu.
Axios reported that after learning about Israel's military moves, Trump said to Netanyahu, "Have you lost your mind? What are you doing?"
IRAN NEGOTIATIONS AT THE CENTER OF TENSION
According to the report, one of the main reasons for Trump's anger was that US diplomatic contacts with Iran were jeopardized. It was assessed that at a time when the Washington administration was trying to lower regional tensions, Israel's expansion of its operations in Lebanon could disrupt the process.
Axios wrote that the Iranian side was also uncomfortable with the future of diplomatic talks due to Israel's attacks, causing concern in the White House.
NETANYAHU'S TRIALS REMINDED
One of the most striking details in the report was that Trump mentioned Netanyahu's ongoing corruption trials during the call.
Allegedly, Trump reminded Netanyahu that he had publicly supported him in the past and defended him in the legal processes against him. It was claimed that the US President clearly expressed his discomfort with the Israeli Prime Minister's recent actions.
PLANS TARGETING BEIRUT SPARKED DEBATE
Axios reported that Trump communicated his discomfort to Netanyahu, particularly regarding possible new attacks on Beirut. It was stated that the US administration feared that the escalation of tensions in Lebanon could trigger a new crisis affecting not just the Israel-Hezbollah conflict but the entire region.
The report alleged that after the call, Israel reviewed some of its operational plans targeting Beirut.
WIDE COVERAGE IN INTERNATIONAL MEDIA
Axios's report quickly gained wide coverage in the international press. The Times of Israel wrote that the conversation between Trump and Netanyahu was considered one of the toughest exchanges between the two leaders in recent times.
Analyses in British and European media commented that differences of opinion between the US and Israel were increasing due to the Gaza war, Iran policy, and developments on the Lebanese front.
Experts note that in recent months, the Washington administration has prioritized keeping regional conflicts under control, while Israel's expansion of military operations sometimes conflicts with US diplomatic goals.
NO OFFICIAL STATEMENT FROM ISRAEL
Following the allegations brought forward by Axios, neither the White House nor the Israeli Prime Minister's Office made a comprehensive statement about the content of the call. However, the diplomatic activity in the region and the tension on the Lebanon border indicate that contacts between Washington and Tel Aviv will be closely monitored in the coming period.