Trump confirms profanity-laced Netanyahu call over Lebanon

President Trump confirmed on Wednesday that he sharply criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over Lebanon during a tense call, as https://www.axios.com/2026/06/01/trump-netanyahu-israel-lebanon-call" target="_blank">Axios first reported.

Why it matters: Trump's confirmation signals a widening divide between the two leaders, over both the fighting in Lebanon and the war with Iran.

What he's saying: Miranda Devine https://x.com/BarakRavid/status/2062124139301703790?s=20" target="_blank">asked Trump on her New York Post podcast if he called Netanyahu "fucking crazy" and that he would be in prison if not for Trump.

• "I did," Trump replied.
• "I wouldn't say angry.

  I was a little bit perturbed at his constantly fighting with Lebanon, you know.

  At some point I said, 'Bibi, we've got to stop this.

  We gotta stop it,'" Trump added.

• He then mentioned he likes Netanyahu and has worked well with him.

Catch up quick: Trump lashed out at Netanyahu over Israel's escalation in https://www.axios.com/2026/06/01/lebanon-full-ceasefire-hezbollah-israel-nabih-berri" target="_self">Lebanon in an expletive-laden call Monday.

• The call came after https://www.axios.com/world/iran" target="_self">Iran threatened to abandon negotiations with the U.S. over Israel's actions in Lebanon.
• U.S. officials said Trump told Netanyahu to stand down from plans to bomb Beirut, and he warned that such a move would further isolate https://www.axios.com/world/israel" target="_self">Israel globally.

Behind the scenes: Summarizing Trump's remarks to Netanyahu, a U.S. official said: "You're fucking crazy.

You'd be in prison if it weren't for me.

I'm saving your ass.

Everybody hates you now.

Everybody hates Israel because of this."

• A second source briefed on the call said Trump was "pissed" and at one point yelled at Netanyahu: "What the fuck are you doing?"
• After the call, Netanyahu aborted the plan to bomb Beirut, and Trump announced a new ceasefire.