Trump confirms heated phone call with Netanyahu over Lebanon conflict

US President Donald Trump confirmed that he used strong language toward 'Israeli' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a phone call, as tensions escalated over ongoing fighting in Lebanon while the United States sought to de-escalate regional hostilities involving Iran.

In an interview aired Wednesday, Trump acknowledged he referred to Netanyahu as “crazy” during the exchange, responding to reports that he had used more explicit language in a private call.

“I did,” Trump said on the Pod Force One podcast when asked about the remarks. He added that he wouldnt say he was angry but was "a little bit perturbed at his constantly fighting with Lebanon," though he said he still maintains a good relationship with Netanyahu.

Read more: "You're f**king crazy!" Trump rebukes Netanyahu after Lebanon strikes

The comments follow a report by Axios citing unnamed US officials, which described a tense call in which Trump rebuked Netanyahu over his handling of the conflict and urged an end to the escalation.

According to Trump, he repeatedly pressed for de-escalation during the conversation, saying, “At some point I said, Bibi, we got to stop this. We got to stop it.”

The remarks come amid continued regional tensions despite US-brokered efforts to reduce hostilities between 'Israel' and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Fighting has persisted, including 'Israeli' strikes killing civilians in southern Lebanon and near Beirut.

Trump also rejected suggestions that he was misled into supporting military action related to Iran, dismissing critics and reiterating that he remains closely aligned with Netanyahu despite disagreements.