President Donald Trump said he called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "crazy" during a phone call earlier this week [1].

The exchange highlights growing tension between the U.S. administration and the Israeli government over military strategies in Lebanon and the stability of broader regional peace talks [2].

Trump discussed the conversation during an appearance on the Australian podcast “Pod Force One” with Miranda Devine [4]. He said the friction stemmed from Israel's continued fighting with Lebanon, which he believes is jeopardizing a potential cease-fire and diplomatic efforts with Iran [2].

"I wouldn’t say angry; I was a little bit perturbed at his constantly fighting with Lebanon," Trump said [3].

During the call, Trump reportedly urged the Israeli leader to end the hostilities. "Bibi, we got to stop this; we got to stop it," Trump said [3].

Despite the sharp language, Trump said that he and Netanyahu still get along [1]. The admission comes as the U.S. monitors the impact of the Lebanon conflict on wider Middle East security arrangements [2].

Trump confirmed the specific use of the word "crazy" to describe the prime minister's approach to the conflict [1]. The remarks reflect a moment of public frustration with the Israeli leadership's refusal to halt military operations despite U.S. pressure [2].

“"I called him crazy."”

This interaction signals a shift in the public diplomatic dynamic between the US and Israel. By publicly admitting to calling a key ally 'crazy,' Trump is signaling that US support for Israeli military operations is not unconditional, particularly when those actions are perceived as obstacles to a broader regional deal with Iran.