Axios, citing two U.S. officials and one informed source, reported that a phone call between Donald Trump, the President of the United States, and Benjamin Netanyahu, the Prime Minister of Israel, on Monday, 11 Jozā, was marked by tension and disagreement.
According to the report, Trump criticized the escalation of Israeli military operations in Lebanon during the conversation and expressed concern about the consequences of expanding the conflict.
Axios, citing two informed sources, wrote that Trump criticized Netanyahu during the call over Israel’s recent policies in Lebanon and warned that a potential strike on Beirut could increase Israel’s international isolation.
According to these sources, the U.S. president also referred to his past support for Netanyahu and criticized his performance under the current circumstances. Axios also cited a U.S. official as quoting part of Trump’s remarks.
Another source familiar with the details of the call told Axios that Trump was angry during the conversation and objected to Israel’s actions in Lebanon.
The call took place just hours after officials of the Islamic Republic of Iran warned that continued Israeli attacks in Lebanon could affect indirect communications and talks with Washington.
At the same time, Iranian state media reported a warning from the Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters to Israel. The warning stated that if attacks on Beirut expand, residents of certain northern Israeli areas should take necessary security precautions.
Meanwhile, an account affiliated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ intelligence organization on the social media platform X also reacted to developments in Lebanon and Gaza, stating that Iran was prepared to respond to what it called crossing red lines.
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament, also announced a phone call with Nabih Berri, the Speaker of the Lebanese Parliament. He stated that continued Israeli attacks on Lebanon could affect negotiations and would be met with a response from Tehran.
Axios, citing a U.S. official, wrote that Trump recognizes Israel’s right to defend itself against Hezbollah attacks, but believes that Israel’s recent actions in Lebanon go beyond a proportional response and are escalating the crisis.
According to the report, Israel had recently expanded the scope of its ground operations in southern Lebanon, and Netanyahu had ordered an attack on Beirut, but after a phone call with Trump, the operation was halted.
Another Israeli official told Axios that Israel currently has no plans to strike Hezbollah targets in Beirut.
Axios noted that although Trump and Netanyahu have had tense conversations in the past, cooperation between them continues on issues such as Iran.
The outlet, citing one of its sources, reported that this call was one of the most tense conversations between Trump and Netanyahu since his return to the White House.
Axios concluded that one reason for Trump’s dissatisfaction was concern over the impact of developments in Lebanon on negotiations with the Islamic Republic of Iran. However, after the call, Trump emphasized on his Truth Social account that talks with Iran were still progressing rapidly.
Writer:Salima Aryaei
