US President Donald Trump reportedly engaged in a tense phone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over Israel’s recent military actions in Lebanon, amid concerns that the escalation could undermine diplomatic efforts involving Iran.
According to a report by Axios citing US officials familiar with the discussion, Trump strongly criticized Netanyahu's handling of the situation and expressed concern that continued Israeli operations could further damage Israel’s international standing, reports NDTV.
Sources said Trump was particularly frustrated that Israeli military actions in Lebanon were threatening ongoing negotiations aimed at reducing tensions across the region. He reportedly argued that expanding strikes, particularly around Beirut, could isolate Israel diplomatically and complicate efforts to secure broader regional stability.
US officials told Axios that Trump believed Israel’s response had become disproportionate despite Hezbollah's attacks on Israeli territory. He was also said to be concerned about civilian casualties in Lebanon and opposed military operations that could result in extensive destruction while targeting individual Hezbollah figures.
Following the conversation, Israeli officials reportedly signaled that plans for strikes in Beirut had been reconsidered.
Although Trump later publicly described the call as productive, sources characterized the private exchange as one of the most difficult discussions between the two leaders since Trump returned to office.
The two leaders have maintained a long and often complicated relationship, marked by both close cooperation and periodic disagreements, particularly on issues involving regional security and Iran.
After the call, Trump announced that Israeli troops would not advance into Beirut and said he had also communicated indirectly with Hezbollah representatives, who had indicated a willingness to halt attacks on Israel. He expressed hope that both sides would refrain from further hostilities.
In a statement, Netanyahu confirmed speaking with Trump but stressed that Israel would continue taking action against Hezbollah if attacks on Israeli communities persist. He added that Israeli military operations in southern Lebanon would proceed as planned.
The latest tensions come despite a ceasefire that has largely been in place since April. Hostilities resumed after exchanges of fire between Israel and Hezbollah, raising concerns about the stability of the truce and its impact on wider diplomatic efforts involving Iran.
Iran has reportedly insisted that any broader ceasefire arrangement should also cover developments in Lebanon.
Meanwhile, Lebanese officials said efforts are continuing to preserve the ceasefire, including proposals aimed at preventing attacks on Beirut's southern suburbs and northern Israel.