TRUMP HELPED PUT ‘BRAKES’ ON ISRAELI PLAN TO STRIKE BEIRUT’S SOUTHERN SUBURBS, U.S. OFFICIALS TELL AXIOS

WASHINGTON / JERUSALEM — U.S. President Donald Trump sharply criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a tense phone call on Monday, reportedly intervening to slow an Israeli plan to expand military operations in Lebanon, according to an exclusive report by Axios.

Citing two U.S. officials and a third source briefed on the conversation, Axios reported that Trump expressed anger over Israel’s planned escalation, which included potential strikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs.

According to the report, Trump accused Netanyahu of being ungrateful and warned that Israel was facing growing international backlash. One U.S. official quoted by Axios said Trump told the Israeli leader, “Everybody hates you now. Everybody hates Israel because of this.”

Axios further reported that the conversation became heated, with Trump allegedly shouting at Netanyahu at one point. One official described the exchange as one of the most contentious discussions between the two leaders since Trump’s return to office.

The report claims that Trump’s intervention effectively put the “brakes on” Israel’s plans to carry out a strike in Beirut, amid concerns over further escalation in the region.

Following the call, Netanyahu’s office issued a statement reaffirming Israel’s position, saying military operations in southern Lebanon would continue as planned unless attacks by Hezbollah cease. The statement also maintained that Israel reserves the right to target Beirut if it deems such action necessary.

Neither the White House nor the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office immediately commented publicly on the specific details of the Axios report.

The developments come amid heightened tensions along the Israel-Lebanon border and growing international efforts to prevent a wider regional conflict.