WASHINGTON: US President Donald Trump reportedly had a heated telephone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over Israel’s military escalation in Lebanon, according to a report published by Axios citing unnamed US officials and sources familiar with the call.
Read More: Netanyahu vows Lebanon operations will continue
The report claimed that Trump strongly criticised Netanyahu’s handling of the conflict and expressed frustration over Israel’s plans to expand military operations in Lebanon. According to the sources, the US president warned that further escalation could increase Israel’s international isolation and complicate diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions in the region.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu:
“I spoke this evening with President Trump and told him that if Hezbollah does not stop firing at our cities and citizens – Israel will strike terrorist targets in Beirut.This position of ours remain unchanged.
Concurrently, the IDF will…
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) June 1, 2026
— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) June 1, 2026
The reported conversation took place as concerns mounted over Israel’s military activities in Lebanon and the potential impact on broader regional stability. Earlier in the day, Trump said he had spoken with Netanyahu and also communicated through intermediaries with Hezbollah, claiming both sides had agreed to halt attacks.
Trump stated that Israel had cancelled a planned military operation in Beirut, while Hezbollah had agreed to stop firing on Israeli targets. The comments followed reports that Iran had suspended discussions with mediators in response to Israel’s expanding offensive against Hezbollah.
According to Axios, Trump was particularly concerned about civilian casualties and the destruction caused by military operations in Lebanon. The report said he questioned the necessity of certain strikes and urged restraint to avoid further deterioration of the situation.
Despite Trump’s public optimism regarding de-escalation, Netanyahu later stated that Israel would continue to target positions in Beirut if Hezbollah attacks on Israeli communities persisted. He also indicated that military operations in southern Lebanon would continue.
The report further claimed that Trump’s remarks during the call reflected one of the most tense exchanges between the two leaders since his return to office. However, neither the White House nor Trump publicly commented on the reported details of the conversation.
Read More: Trump claims Israel and Hezbollah agree to halt fighting
The developments come amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to preserve ceasefire arrangements and prevent the conflict from expanding further across the Middle East, where tensions remain high despite renewed calls for restraint and dialogue.