US President Donald Trump expressed sharp dissatisfaction with Israel’s actions in Lebanon, stating that further escalation could derail negotiations with Iran. This is reported by Axios.
Source: Gazeta.UA
According to the publication, during a phone conversation Trump called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “crazy” and accused him of ingratitude.
In particular, as cited by one American official, Trump said: “Bombing Beirut will only further isolate Israel internationally. You, damn it, have gone crazy. What are you doing? You would be in prison if it weren’t for me. I’m saving you. Everyone hates you now. Everyone hates Israel because of this.”
It is also reported that Trump reminded Netanyahu of his support during his corruption trial, suggesting it helped him avoid imprisonment.
Netanyahu’s reaction, according to accounts, was restrained: “Okay, okay, just make sure everything is taken care of.”
Trump also expressed concern over civilian casualties in Lebanon and criticized the practice of striking entire buildings to eliminate individual Hezbollah commanders.
After the call, Israel announced that strikes on targets in Beirut would no longer be planned. At the same time, Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the ground operation in southern Lebanon would continue according to the approved plan and threatened further strikes if Hezbollah does not stop its attacks.
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