Former President Donald Trump on Wednesday (11) censured Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for failing to adequately prepare for the Hamas attack, which resulted in the deaths of at least 1,200 people in Israel by the time time. During an interview with Fox News, Trump, seen as the Republican Party’s possible candidate for the 2024 presidential election, stated that Netanyahu “suffered serious consequences” due to the attack. He mentioned, “He wasn’t ready. Israel wasn’t ready. And under Trump’s leadership, they wouldn’t have to be ready.”
++ US has no intention of sending troops to Israel, says White House
In a speech to his supporters in Florida on Wednesday night, Trump spoke again about Israeli security preparedness, pointing to “some of the failures that have occurred over the last week.”
++ Gwyneth Paltrow says she uses her Oscar statuette as a doorstop
Trump added: “They need to resolve these issues because they are facing a potentially very large force, possibly confronting Iran.” These statements by the businessman were made at a time when Israel is counting the dead and trying to recover from one of the most devastating attacks in its history. The country retaliated with airstrikes on Gaza, resulting in the deaths of at least 1,200 Palestinians so far.
One of Trump’s opponents in the Republican race, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, criticized the former president for his comments. “It is absurd that anyone, especially someone running for president, would choose this moment to attack our friend and ally, Israel,” DeSantis wrote on social media. Trump and Netanyahu maintained a close relationship during the American’s term as president, despite some disagreements in the relationship.