A new book by New York Times journalists Maggie Haberman and Jonathan Swan says Donald Trump shouted and cursed at Benjamin Netanyahu in a phone call before the hostage deal announcement last year. The book, released Tuesday, focuses on Trump’s first year back in office and describes the exchange as part of his push to end the Gaza war.
According to the account, the tense call took place during the UN General Assembly in September 2025, while Trump was advancing his plan to end the fighting in Gaza. Trump allegedly told Netanyahu, “Everyone’s had enough of you, Bibi.” He also referred to White House advisers Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, saying, “Even the two Jews on this call are fed up with you.”
The book says Witkoff and Kushner warned Trump that Netanyahu might try to call and derail the agreement. Trump then told Netanyahu, “You can’t back out of this.” He added, “I’m the best friend Israel has ever had. Everyone hates you, and I stood by you.”
Only at the end of the call, after Trump stressed that it was a “great deal for Israel,” Netanyahu agreed to the arrangement. The two leaders announced the move in a joint statement two days later.
