
US President Donald Trump has confirmed reports of a tense argument with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, admitting he used harsh language during a phone call while seeking to curb Israeli military action in Lebanon.
In an interview published by the New York Post on Wednesday, Trump was asked about reports that he had confronted Netanyahu about Israel's ongoing fighting with Hezbollah and threats to attack the Lebanese capital, Beirut.
“You said, 'Are you crazy? What are you doing? I helped you stay out of jail.' Is that true? Did you speak to him in those terms?” the interviewer asked.
“Yes,” Trump replied. “I was a little concerned by his ongoing war with Lebanon.”
Trump said he asked the Israeli leader to de-escalate tensions: "I said, 'Bibi, we have to stop this.'"
The comments offer a rare public glimpse into tensions between the two leaders, who have long presented a united front despite occasional disagreements behind closed doors.
Trump describes phone call as 'very productive'
However, Trump sought to emphasize that relations between the two remain strong.
"We worked very well together. I really like Bibi. And I work very well with her," he said.