Donald Trump has acknowledged using strong language to describe Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a recent intense phone call, rejecting claims that he was influenced by Israel in initiating a conflict with Iran.
In an interview with the New York Post, Trump stated, “He tricked me? I’m the one that started it. I don’t want to bore anybody, but I started [the war with Iran] because we can’t let them have a nuclear weapon.” Trump emphasized the importance of preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear capabilities, especially considering the potential threat to Israel.
During the same conversation, Trump confirmed that he criticized Netanyahu by calling him “stupid” and “unhinged,” eventually labeling him as “f***ing crazy.” Trump explained his frustration with Netanyahu’s actions, particularly regarding conflicts with Lebanon, but maintained that they still have a strong working relationship.
Despite the heated exchange, Trump expressed his admiration for Netanyahu, describing their partnership as productive. He asserted, “I like Bibi a lot. And I work very well with him. I’m a wartime president, he’s a wartime prime minister…and I think we’ve done very well. We’ve gotten along very well together.”
Responding to allegations from Democrats suggesting he was manipulated by Netanyahu into instigating a war with Iran, Trump dismissed them as “Dumbocrats” with unrelated agendas. The controversial remarks made by Trump regarding Netanyahu were initially reported by Axios and sparked reactions from various commentators, including calls for investigations into the leak.
This incident has highlighted the complex dynamics between the U.S., Israel, and Iran, underscoring the challenges and controversies surrounding international relations and security in the Middle East.