Beirut, Lebanon. Donald Trump reportedly told Fox News and Axios that he strongly rebuked Benjamin Netanyahu over an Israeli strike in Beirut and said a deal with Iran was expected within the next few hours. He also said he intended to urge Iran not to retaliate in an effort to prevent further escalation in the Middle East.
Reported call with Netanyahu
According to the reports, the US president said he spoke by phone with the Israeli prime minister and made his dissatisfaction clear in unusually strong terms.
“I told him, what the hell are you doing?” Trump told the US outlet.
Reaction to the Beirut strike
Axios, citing Trump’s remarks, reported that the US president was furious over the Israeli government’s decision to carry out the attack.
“Why did Bibi have to launch a fucking attack? I was very angry. I made that clear to him,” Trump reportedly said.
According to the same report, Trump criticised the Israeli prime minister, saying he “did not have good judgement” in this case and that he conveyed his displeasure to him directly.
Iran deal timeline
Trump also said he was shocked when his advisers called to brief him on the Israeli attack in Beirut and that he lost his temper with Netanyahu.
“It is so bad, I could not believe it. An hour before we sign the deal. We were supposed to sign the deal this morning, but the Israeli raid in Beirut delayed it,” Trump added.
Call for de-escalation
According to the same reports, Trump also intends to call on Iran not to retaliate, as he seeks to prevent further escalation of tensions in the Middle East.