[80462] Storm in Trump-Netanyahu Call: Sharp Confrontation Amid Tensions in Lebanon and Negotiations with Iran

Peak Tension in Washington: Trump against Netanyahu

According to reports that began circulating on Axios and gained wide resonance on social media, a difficult and unusually sharp phone call took place between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. According to American sources, Trump attacked Netanyahu sharply over his decision to expand military activity in Lebanon, using crude language: "You, damn it, are crazy. If it weren't for me, you'd be sitting in jail. I am saving your butt. Now everyone hates you, everyone hates Israel because of this." Other sources, including RT (which takes a critical stance toward Israel) and Solovyov (which presents a pro-Russian stance and is reserved toward the current administration), noted that Trump was furious that the actions in Lebanon are endangering US diplomatic contacts with Iran.

Disagreements on the Nature of the Call

On the other hand, officials in the Prime Minister's circle denied the dramatic description of the phone call. According to Intelli-News and quotes from reporter Amit Segal, sources close to Netanyahu claimed that "contrary to the leaks, Trump did not say personal things in the form of a warning about jail," but that the conversation dealt mainly with coordinating expectations regarding the Twitter posts of both leaders, with Netanyahu complaining that Trump's remarks were being interpreted as a sweeping ceasefire. This source claims that it was ultimately agreed that Israel would refrain from attacks in Beirut as long as it is not attacked itself.

Political and Economic Consequences

In the international arena, the situation continues to be tense. According to the Wall Street Journal, the US administration is exerting heavy pressure on Oman, demanding that it take a side and sever its ties with Iran against the background of the shared ambition of Tehran and Muscat to collect transit fees in the Strait of Hormuz. At the same time, the market reacted nervously; Reuters notes that oil prices recorded sharp fluctuations following the conflicting statements on the fate of the negotiations with Iran.

In Israel, the words of Opposition Leader Yair Lapid, as reported on RT, attacked Netanyahu for turning Israel into a "protectorate" following the apparent compliance with Trump's demands. At the same time, the local economy took a hit with a drop in the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange, as reported in Political Studio, due to fears of a security escalation.

Commentary

Commentators such as Malek Dudakov point out that the pro-Israel consensus in the US is undergoing change, with data showing a decline in support for Israel among the Democratic audience and even among segments of the Republican public. He argues that Trump fears Netanyahu's actions are damaging his personal ratings and his ability to present diplomatic achievements.