Tensions between US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin
Netanyahu reportedly flared over Israel’s military actions in Lebanon, with a senior US envoy suggesting the two leaders nearly came to a direct confrontation over the issue.
According to Al Jazeera, US ambassador to Lebanon Michel Issa said Trump and Netanyahu had sharp disagreements over recent regional escalations, including Israeli strikes in Beirut’s suburbs and missile exchanges involving Iran and Israel.
Speaking after meeting Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, Issa said the developments carried a “political message,” adding that “we in the United States decided that the confrontation does not expand more” .
Issa also suggested unusually tense exchanges between Washington and Tel Aviv, stating that Trump follows developments in Lebanon closely and adding in Arabic that the US president “almost got into a fight with Netanyahu over Lebanon.”
Trump pushed Netanyahu to avoid escalation
The comments come amid multiple reports of friction between Trump and Netanyahu over how far Israel should go in responding to Iranian missile attacks and regional strikes.
According to Axios, Trump directly told Netanyahu in a call on Sunday not to retaliate against Iran’s missile attack and to allow more time for diplomatic efforts.
A senior US official told the outlet that Trump also urged restraint because “we are close to doing something good in terms of a deal,” adding that the President believes it is not the right moment to escalate.
The official further said Netanyahu “pushed back but ultimately ‘pseudo agreed’ to stand down,” while describing the conversation as calmer than earlier exchanges, noting Trump did not raise his voice.
Separately, Trump has been quoted telling the Financial Times that Netanyahu “won’t have any choice” but to accept a US-brokered deal with Iran, adding, “I call the shots. I call all the shots. He doesn’t call the shots.”
Latest call between Trump and Netanyahu
Trump called Netanyahu on Monday after renewed exchanges of fire between Israel and Iran, with a White House official confirming the conversation but providing no further details.
A US official told Al Jazeera the call took place in the last couple of hours, with Trump reportedly urging Israel to halt further attacks as concerns grew that ongoing negotiations with Iran could be derailed.
The relationship between the two leaders has grown increasingly strained recently, with Trump previously calling Netanyahu “crazy” in another phone call.
Earlier today, Trump posted on Truth Social: “Israel and Iran must immediately stop ‘shooting’,” as renewed strikes raised fears of a broader regional war.
Renewed Israel-Iran exchanges heighten tensions
The reported rift comes against the backdrop of renewed fighting between Israel and Iran, which raised fears of a wider regional war after a brief ceasefire earlier this year began to unravel.
Iran and Israel exchanged missile and air strikes across multiple cities, including reported explosions in Tehran, Tabriz, Karaj and Isfahan, while Israeli strikes reportedly hit sites inside Iran, including a petrochemical facility.
Iran’s Revolutionary Guard said it targeted Israeli military bases in response, while air raid sirens and interceptions were reported across Israel.
Yemen’s Houthi rebels also claimed involvement, saying they launched a missile at Israel and warning of disruptions to Red Sea shipping routes, further widening the scope of the escalation.
Trump urges halt to fighting, signals ceasefire push
Amid the renewed hostilities, Trump publicly called for restraint. Posting on Truth Social, he wrote, “Israel and Iran must immediately stop ‘shooting.’”
Trump said the two sides were “looking to do an immediate ceasefire,” and that “final negotiations on ‘Peace’ are proceeding,” while warning that progress could be undermined by “ignorance or stupidity getting in its way.”
Soon after his remarks, Iran’s unified armed forces command announced an end to its current military operations against Israel.
However, Tehran also warned of harsher responses if Israeli attacks on Lebanon continue.
Similarly, Israel also halted hostilities but warned that if Iran resumes military action, it would respond with “full force.”
Catch all LIVE updates on the US-Iran conflict here.
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