AFP Yonhap News
There are reports that U.S. President Donald Trump strongly rebuked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The U.S. online outlet Axios reported on the 1st (local time), citing multiple U.S. government officials, that during a call with Prime Minister Netanyahu, President Trump said, “You are completely crazy. If it weren’t for me, you would be in jail. I’m saving you.”
This was a reference to Netanyahu’s political and legal risks; he has been indicted on charges including bribery and fraud and is on trial. The trial, which had been suspended after the outbreak of the U.S.-Iran war in February, has recently resumed.
Another source told Axios that President Trump was “extremely angry” during the call and at one point shouted at Prime Minister Netanyahu, “What on earth are you doing?”
Axios reported that President Trump, concerned that Israel’s military operations in Lebanon could derail negotiations with Iran, put strong pressure on Netanyahu. Earlier, Iran had warned that it could suspend talks with the United States over Israel’s attack on Lebanon.