Former President Donald Trump criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his handling of recent events, calling into question Netanyahu's leadership capabilities.
According to a report from AP News, Trump expressed disappointment with Netanyahu, especially after the recent deadly attack by Hamas.
Trump's criticism came during a rally where he mentioned that Netanyahu "let us down" prior to the U.S. action against Iranian general Qassem Soleimani in 2020. He further emphasized that Israeli leaders should "step up their game" and made references to Hezbollah, a group that poses a significant threat to Israel.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, a potential 2024 presidential contender, voiced his disagreement with Trump's remarks. He emphasized the importance of supporting allies during challenging times. DeSantis's sentiments were echoed by others, including North Dakota Governor Doug Burgum and South Carolina Senator Tim Scott.
Trump's criticism of Israel, especially after such a significant attack, highlights his personal grievances and feelings of resentment. This is particularly evident in his relationship with Netanyahu, which soured after Netanyahu congratulated President-elect Joe Biden in 2020.
Ari Fleischer, a former White House press secretary, expressed his wish for Trump to set aside personal differences with Netanyahu for the time being. Fleischer acknowledged Trump's support for Israel but emphasized the importance of the bigger picture.
The Israeli Prime Minister and the nation's intelligence services are grappling with questions about how they missed signs of the unprecedented attack. Prior to this, Netanyahu's government was already under scrutiny for proposed judicial changes and criticism from former intelligence officials.
In the U.S., President Joe Biden and other leaders from both parties have shown their support for Israel. Biden, in a recent conversation with Jewish leaders, referred to the Hamas attack as the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust.
Trump, despite his criticism, has reiterated his support for Israel. He has tried to shift the blame to Biden and has pledged to back Israel's efforts against Hamas.
During his rally, Trump shared his version of events leading up to the killing of Soleimani. He claimed that Israel was initially on board but backed out at the last moment. Trump expressed his disappointment, stating that he "will never forget that Bibi Netanyahu let us down."
Trump also commented on the intelligence failures related to the recent attack. He stressed the need for Israel to be more vigilant and prepared. He criticized Israel's defense minister and expressed concerns about Israel's readiness for potential threats.
In a subsequent interview, Trump reiterated his belief that Netanyahu and Israel were unprepared for the attack. He questioned the efficiency of Israel's intelligence services, given the scale of the attack.
Florida Governor DeSantis, after filing for the New Hampshire primary, expressed his support for Netanyahu. He criticized Trump's timing and choice of words, especially in reference to Hezbollah.
Trump's campaign aides defended his statements, emphasizing that his criticism of Netanyahu was not new. They also defended his use of the term "smart" to describe adversaries, suggesting that it was a critique of Biden's administration rather than a compliment to the enemies.
The recent events in the Middle East and Trump's comments could influence the upcoming GOP primary and the general election. While some Republican voters support Trump's stance, others, like Melissa Blasek, feel that Trump's recent comments are not in line with his earlier support for Israel.