Former US President Donald Trump has expressed his support for Israel’s response to the October 7 attack by Hamas. In an interview with Israeli newspaper Israel Hayom, Trump stated that he would have taken similar actions but urged Israel to “finish up” its offensive in Gaza. He emphasized the importance of concluding the conflict swiftly, warning about the potential loss of international support.
Trump, who is now the presumptive nominee for the Republican Party, criticized Israel for its handling of the conflict’s public perception. He commented on the release of photos and videos of the offensive in Gaza, suggesting that such displays of strength could harm Israel’s global image.
The interview, conducted by Israel Hayom, a publication often aligned with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, highlighted Trump’s previous disagreements with Netanyahu during his tenure in the White House. Trump accused Netanyahu of being unprepared for the Gaza incursion and criticized his leadership during the crisis.
Regarding casualties, Trump cited figures from the Health Ministry in Gaza, reporting more than 30,000 Palestinian deaths as a result of Israel’s offensive. These numbers contrast with official Israeli figures and raise concerns about the humanitarian toll of the conflict.
In addition to his comments on the conflict, Trump also reiterated his criticism of American Jews who support the Democratic Party. He accused President Joe Biden of siding with the “enemy” and suggested that American Jews were misguided in their political affiliations.
The remarks from Trump underscore the ongoing complexities surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the broader implications for international relations and domestic politics.
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