Beirut, June 3: US President Donald Trump has confirmed reports that he criticised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a phone call, describing him as “crazy” over Israel’s military actions in Lebanon, which he believes are complicating efforts to secure peace with Iran.
In an interview released Wednesday, Trump said he was “a little bit perturbed” by Israel’s continued fighting against Hezbollah, arguing that it was hindering ongoing diplomatic negotiations.
Despite acknowledging tensions, Trump stressed that his relationship with Netanyahu remains strong.
He said the two leaders have worked well together and share the experience of being “wartime” leaders.
However, the reported exchange highlights increasing pressure on Trump to resolve regional conflicts as rising energy prices and economic uncertainty weigh on Republican prospects ahead of midterm elections and disrupt global trade.
Trump remained vague on when the conflict could end, suggesting that the strategically important Strait of Hormuz might remain closed through the US Labor Day holiday in September, though he considered that outcome unlikely.
He reiterated Washington’s demands that Iran halt any efforts linked to developing nuclear weapons and ensure the reopening of the vital shipping route for oil and natural gas exports.
The US president also claimed that Iran’s Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, is involved in negotiations aimed at ending the conflict.
Trump said Khamenei, who succeeded his father after the latter was killed in US-Israeli airstrikes in March, continues to influence decision-making despite reportedly suffering injuries from a separate airstrike.
Meanwhile, violence continued in Lebanon, casting doubt on prospects for a durable ceasefire.
An Israeli drone strike targeted a vehicle on a busy highway in Khaldeh, south of Beirut, just hours before a second round of Lebanon-Israel talks in Washington.
Israel did not immediately clarify the outcome of the strike but has typically said such operations target Hezbollah members.
The attack came despite a US-brokered agreement reached earlier this week under which Israel agreed to refrain from striking Beirut’s southern suburbs while Hezbollah would halt attacks on northern Israel.
The arrangement followed Israeli threats to launch major strikes near the Lebanese capital and has so far produced limited progress.
Israel and Lebanon remain divided on the terms of a broader ceasefire.
Lebanon seeks a nationwide truce, while Israel insists Hezbollah must first disarm and that Israeli forces retain freedom of action until security goals are met.
Fighting has continued across southern Lebanon, particularly around Tyre and Nabatiyeh. Israel has warned residents in some Christian neighbourhoods of Tyre that Hezbollah operatives may be present there, prompting deployments by the Lebanese army.
Since the latest conflict erupted in March, more than 3,400 people have been killed and 1.2 million displaced in Lebanon.
Israel says at least 27 soldiers, a defence contractor and two civilians have been killed, while Hezbollah’s increasing use of fibre-optic drones has posed growing challenges for Israeli forces. (AP)
