Social media users from various political backgrounds are expressing skepticism about a recent Axios report suggesting that President Trump had harsh words for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. According to Axios, during a phone call, Trump “savagely criticized” Netanyahu due to Israel’s threats to bomb Beirut and its military actions in southern Lebanon. An unnamed official allegedly conveyed that Trump told Netanyahu, “You’re crazy. If it wasn’t for me, you would be in jail. I’m saving your ass. Now everyone hates you. Everyone hates Israel because of this.” The report mentioned that Trump claimed he had “restrained” Netanyahu, convincing him to abandon plans to target Beirut and Hezbollah.
However, many people doubt the accuracy of this account. Progressive “Breaking Points” host Crystal Ball drew parallels between this Axios story and similar claims that surfaced during Joe Biden’s administration. She recalled that Biden had used derogatory terms for Netanyahu while still supporting arms sales to Israel, prompting her to question the reliability of such reports about Trump and Netanyahu.
Fox News host Mark Levin argued that the article was “largely fabricated” and called for the dismissal of one of its authors, Barak Ravid. He suggested that the story was based on anonymous leaks that lacked credibility.
Meanwhile, Amit Segal, a correspondent for Israeli outlet N12, labeled the Axios piece “inaccurate.” A senior official close to Netanyahu indicated that the call was focused more on social issues and didn’t include any comments about prisons or universal hatred toward Netanyahu.
Independent journalist Caitlin Johnston criticized Ravid for seemingly crafting narratives suggesting that prominent figures like Biden were frustrated with Netanyahu or ready to issue ultimatums.
Dave DeCamp, an antiwar.com News Editor, noted that it emerged the U.S. was actually coordinating with Israel regarding potential strikes on Beirut, casting further doubt on the Axios report’s claims.
Progressive journalist Mark Ames humorously referenced a nickname conservatives assigned to Biden, suggesting it might now apply to Trump in a different context.
In response, Trump asserted he had played a role in mediating between Israel and Hezbollah to prevent further conflict. He stated, “I had a very fruitful telephone conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu. There are no troops being sent to Beirut, and the troops that were heading there have already turned back,” according to a post he made on Truth Social.
