Former US President Donald Trump recently expressed concern over Israel’s reputation, warning that the country is “losing a lot of support” and urging them to conclude their conflict in Gaza before further damage is done. This critique from Trump, a staunch supporter of Israel during his presidency, marks a rare instance of him openly criticizing the Jewish state.
In an interview with Israel Hayom, Trump acknowledged that he would have responded similarly to Israel if the US faced a similar attack by Hamas. However, he condemned Israel’s extensive destruction of civilian homes in Gaza as a “very big mistake,” emphasizing the negative impact it has on the global perception of the situation.
Despite his past strong alliance with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump’s relationship with Israel became strained after Netanyahu congratulated President Joe Biden on his electoral victory. Trump’s remarks on Israel’s military actions in Gaza and his call for Netanyahu to address intelligence issues indicate a shift in their once close partnership.
As the conflict in Gaza nears the six-month milestone, the former president advised Netanyahu to swiftly bring it to an end, emphasizing the diminishing international support for Israel. He stressed the importance of concluding the war and transitioning towards peace to avoid further escalation of the situation.
Netanyahu, however, remains resolute in his commitment to achieving “total victory over Hamas,” expressing intentions to invade Rafah despite opposition from the White House. The cancellation of a planned visit to Washington following the UN Security Council’s resolution for an immediate ceasefire underscores the escalating tensions and international pressure on Israel.
The US decision to abstain from the vote, rather than vetoing as usual, was viewed as a significant departure from its unwavering support for Israel at the UN. The resolution’s passage highlighted growing discontent with Netanyahu’s actions in Gaza, as the conflict continues to claim lives and displace civilians in the region.
