Trump sharply criticizes Netanyahu over planned attacks on Beirut

Washington – 02.06.2026: In a heated phone call on June 1, 2026, US President Donald Trump sharply criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The reason was Netanyahu’s announcement to carry out airstrikes on the southern suburbs of Beirut to target Hezbollah positions. Trump reportedly accused Netanyahu of being “completely crazy” and said “everyone hates you now.”

The tensions between the two leaders arose against the backdrop of the escalating situation in Lebanon. Israel had previously conducted airstrikes in southern Lebanon, killing six people. Hezbollah responded with attacks on Israeli positions, resulting in further casualties on both sides. The planned attacks on Beirut thus represented an escalation of Israel’s military strategy against Hezbollah.

Trump expressed concern during the conversation that these Israeli military actions could jeopardize ongoing negotiations between the US and Iran. Iran had previously threatened to break off talks if Israel continued its attacks on Lebanese soil. This puts Washington in a delicate position, as the US tries to achieve a diplomatic solution in the nuclear dispute with Tehran while its close allies Israel and the regional Hezbollah constellation are in conflict.

Despite the harsh criticism from Washington, Netanyahu reaffirmed that the Israeli army would continue its offensive in southern Lebanon, though without directly attacking the suburbs of Beirut. Defense Minister Israel Katz rejected calls for a ceasefire and continued to emphasize the necessity of resolute action against Hezbollah, which Israel regards as a terrorist organization.

The diplomatic tensions between the US and Israel raise questions regarding future cooperation. While Israel exerts military pressure, Washington weighs its role as mediator in Middle East policy. The Israeli government must manage the balancing act of acting militarily against Hezbollah while also considering its relationship with the US and regional stability in the complex situation.

The international community watches the developments with concern, as further escalation in Lebanon could endanger the fragile balance in the Middle East. An expansion of the fighting would have direct consequences for the security of multiple states in the region and could significantly hinder peace efforts.

In this tense situation, the question remains how to reconcile Israel’s strategic interests with the diplomatic efforts of the US. The course of relations between Washington and Jerusalem as well as the development of the situation in Lebanon and the Middle East overall therefore remain of great importance for international politics.