Trump Confirms He Called Netanyahu ‘Crazy’
The New York Times • • nation
Key Points:
- President Trump described his working relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as close and constructive but admitted to calling Netanyahu “crazy” during a recent phone call due to disagreements over Israel’s military actions in Lebanon.
- Trump expressed frustration with Netanyahu’s ongoing conflict with Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militia, and confirmed using expletives during their conversation amid reports of a growing split between the two leaders.
- Netanyahu acknowledged “tactical disagreements” with Trump but emphasized that they always find ways to resolve their differences, maintaining a cooperative stance.
- Trump revealed hopes to meet with Iranian leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, despite uncertainty about Khamenei’s health and willingness to engage following U.S.-Israeli strikes.
- Regarding the war and negotiations, Trump indicated no urgency to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil shipping route currently blocked by Iran, leaving its status uncertain by early September.