‘I wasn’t angry, but…’: Trump calls Netanyahu ‘crazy’ over Lebanon attack | Today’s news

US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday (US time) that he was not angry with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu when he called him a “crazy king” during a phone call on Monday.

“I was a little concerned about his constant fighting with Lebanon,” Trump told The New York Post in an exclusive “Pod Force One” interview without saying a firm yes or no when asked if he had indeed called Netanyahu a “lunatic.”

“At some point I said, ‘Bibi, we’ve got to stop this’… We worked very well together. I like Bibi very much. And I’m very good working with him,” Trump insisted after confirming his fiery outburst demanding Netanyahu hold fire.

The Israeli attacks in Lebanon have stalled US-Iran peace talks as Tehran insisted that Israel’s targeting of Hezbollah end before a deal is reached to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

Trump “yells” at Netanyahu

Citing its sources, Axios reported Monday that President Trump lashed out at Netanyahu on Monday over Israel’s escalation in Lebanon.

When Iran threatened to walk out of talks with the US over Israel’s actions in Lebanon, Trump called Netanyahu “a fool” on the phone and accused him of ungratefulness, according to two sources. He also put the brakes on Israel’s plan to strike Beirut.

Summarizing Trump’s remarks to Netanyahu, the US official told Axios: “You’re a damn fool. If it wasn’t for me, you’d be in jail. I’m saving your a**. Everybody hates you now. Everybody hates Israel because of it.”

Two of the sources said Trump claimed he helped keep Netanyahu out of jail — a reference to his support during Netanyahu’s corruption trial.

A second source briefed on the call said Trump was “pissed off” and at one point “shouted” at Netanyahu: “What the hell are you doing?”