BEIRUT (AP) — President Donald Trump characterized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as “crazy” during a recent phone call, expressing concern that the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah was hindering peace discussions with Iran. Despite these comments, Trump stated that his relationship with Netanyahu remains strong.
In an interview with The New York Post’s “Pod Force One,” Trump remarked, “I like Bibi a lot. And I work very well with him.” Netanyahu acknowledged that while he and Trump occasionally have “tactical disagreements,” they share “common goals” and “agree on the main things.”
Trump’s remarks reflect increasing pressure to resolve the ongoing Iran conflict, particularly as rising energy prices and economic instability impact Republican prospects in upcoming midterm elections. Ongoing negotiations aim to extend a ceasefire amid a broader conflict involving an Iranian-backed militia group in Lebanon.
Trump did not commit to a specific timeline for resolving the Iran situation, noting that the Strait of Hormuz might remain blocked past Labor Day on September 7. He emphasized the need for Iran to halt any actions that could result in a nuclear weapon.
Concerning the Iranian peace talks, Trump mentioned that Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is involved, though he noted Khamenei’s health has been affected by an airstrike. The president stated, “They say he’s giving approval because that’s the way it has been for a long, long time.”
Kuwait temporarily closed its main airport following an attack by Iranian drones that targeted a passenger terminal, resulting in one death and multiple injuries, illustrating the ongoing regional tensions.
The situation in Lebanon remains precarious, as Israeli strikes continue against Hezbollah, including an attack that targeted a vehicle near Beirut. An agreement reached earlier aims to limit hostilities, with both sides seeking to expand the ceasefire.
Israeli military actions have escalated in southern Lebanon, leading to civilian casualties, including an airstrike that reportedly killed four Syrians and two Palestinians. Israel has warned civilians in Tyre that Hezbollah operatives may be present among them.
As the conflict intensified, the Al-Abdallah family experienced a tragic loss when an airstrike destroyed their home, killing six family members. The sole survivor, 13-year-old Ahmed Al-Abdallah, was critically injured.
Source: apnews.com via Google News.
