Former President Donald Trump has alleged that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu betrayed him just prior to the 2020 U.S. operation that resulted in the killing of a top Iranian general. This revelation marks a departure from the typically unwavering support for Israel within the Republican presidential primary field, amidst ongoing turmoil following a deadly attack by Hamas.
Speaking at a rally in West Palm Beach, Florida, Mr. Trump’s remarks have drawn criticism, not only from an ally of Netanyahu but also from fellow Republicans, including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who is a 2024 presidential contender.
The majority of American political leaders have firmly stood behind Israel in the wake of a multifaceted Hamas incursion, characterized by President Joe Biden as the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust. The conflict has resulted in a tragic toll, with casualties on both the Israeli and Palestinian sides surpassing 2,500 individuals.
At the rally, Donald Trump expressed his support for Israel, pledging to stand by the nation and prevent its failure. However, he went on to recount a negative experience involving Israeli leaders.
Donald Trump shared that the plan to eliminate Gen. Qassem Soleimani, the commander of Iran’s elite Quds Force, had been under coordination with Israel for months. But, on the eve of the operation, he received a call informing him that Israel would not be participating, without a clear explanation.
“This is a story nobody’s heard before,” Trump asserted. “They didn’t tell us why.”
He openly criticized Netanyahu, saying, “I’ll never forget that Bibi Netanyahu let us down,” and added, “We were disappointed by that. Very disappointed. But we did the job ourselves, with absolute precision … and then Bibi tried to take credit for it.”
At the time of reporting, Mr. Netanyahu’s office had not responded to requests for comment. However, Israel’s communications minister, Shlomo Karhi, condemned Trump’s remarks as “shameful” and suggested that Trump could not be relied upon.
Governor Ron DeSantis also voiced his disapproval on social media, stating that “it is absurd that anyone, much less someone running for President, would choose now to attack our friend and ally, Israel.”
Mr. Trump, along with other Republicans, has attempted to hold the Biden administration responsible, particularly highlighting the release of nearly $6 billion in frozen assets to Iran, a Hamas supporter. Biden administration officials have maintained that this money has not been spent.
In response, the Biden campaign emphasized their unwavering support for Israel and criticized Mr. Trump for spreading what they termed as “dangerous misinformation” during a crucial period when unity between the two nations is vital.
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Source: The Hindu
