Trump to Netanyahu on Lebanon: ‘What the F— Are You Doing?’

President Donald Trump reportedly confronted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a phone call on Monday, expressing anger over Israel's military actions in Lebanon and urging restraint, according to a report citing U.S. officials and a source familiar with the conversation.

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Axios reported that Trump criticized Netanyahu's handling of the situation, describing him as acting recklessly and expressing frustration over what he viewed as a lack of appreciation for U.S. support. According to the report, Trump at one point reportedly yelled at Netanyahu, “What the f— are you doing?”.

Tensions Over Beirut Operations

The reported exchange came after Netanyahu ordered the Israeli military to strike Hezbollah targets in Beirut's Dahiyeh district earlier on Monday.

Israel and Hezbollah have continued to exchange fire since October 2023. Although a ceasefire took effect in November 2024, hostilities have not fully ceased, with both sides accusing the other of violations.

Iranian officials condemned the latest Israeli strikes, arguing they breached a broader ceasefire arrangement reached on April 7. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said the agreement covered all fronts, including Lebanon, and warned that violations could have wider consequences.

Trump Claims Israeli Raid Was Averted

Following the call, Trump characterized his discussion with Netanyahu as productive and claimed he had persuaded the Israeli leader not to carry out a major operation in Beirut.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said he asked Netanyahu to avoid a large-scale raid on the Lebanese capital and asserted that Israeli forces had been pulled back.

Trump also said he had spoken with representatives linked to Hezbollah and claimed both sides had agreed to halt attacks against one another. He expressed hope that any renewed cessation of hostilities would endure.

Netanyahu Maintains Military Pressure

Netanyahu later offered a different emphasis in remarks posted on X. He said he informed Trump that Israel would continue to strike targets in Beirut if Hezbollah failed to stop attacks on Israeli civilians and communities.

The Israeli leader also stated that the Israel Defense Forces would continue planned operations in southern Lebanon, signaling that military pressure on Hezbollah would remain in place despite Trump's reported intervention.

Ceasefire Under Strain

The differing public statements highlighted continuing tensions over the fragile ceasefire and the broader regional security situation.

While Trump presented the conversation as having helped prevent a major escalation in Beirut, Netanyahu reiterated Israel's readiness to conduct further military action if Hezbollah attacks persist.

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Adapted by ASEAN Now. Source 2 June 2026