Trump calls Netanyahu 'crazy' but says they still get along : NPR
NPR • • nation
Key Points:
- President Trump confirmed calling Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "crazy" and using an expletive during a heated call that stopped planned Israeli airstrikes on Beirut, expressing frustration over Netanyahu's aggressive stance toward Lebanon.
- Netanyahu had ordered a major military operation against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, including planned airstrikes on Beirut suburbs, prompting civilian evacuations and traffic jams.
- The Israeli military actions violated a truce with Hezbollah, part of a broader Iran war ceasefire, leading Iran to halt indirect negotiations with the U.S.
- Despite the conflict, Trump stated he maintains a good relationship with Netanyahu, describing both as wartime leaders, while Israeli media and politicians criticize Netanyahu for being too weak against Trump.
- Trump and Netanyahu initially coordinated closely on the Iran war with shared goals, but now Trump seeks a deal involving compromises with Iran, contrasting with Netanyahu's preference for continued military pressure.