According to a report by Axios, U.S. President Donald Trump called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu 'crazy' and said 'everyone hates him' during a phone conversation about Israel’s planned military escalation in Lebanon. The report states that Trump was angered by Netanyahu’s decision to expand operations in southern Lebanon and warned him against launching a major strike on Beirut, arguing it could harm Israel’s global standing and increase its isolation.

Citing U.S. officials, Axios reported that Trump expressed concern that the growing Lebanon conflict could undermine efforts to stabilize the Middle East and negatively affect ongoing diplomatic talks involving Iran. He also opposed a plan to destroy an entire building to target a Hezbollah commander, citing potential civilian casualties. Following the call, an Israeli official said Israel had backed away from a planned strike in Beirut.

Trump later described the discussion as productive, saying Israel had taken steps to control the situation. Netanyahu, however, characterized the exchange as a warning rather than restraint, reaffirming that Israel would continue its operations in southern Lebanon if Hezbollah attacks persisted.