Former President Trump said Israel made a “huge, huge mistake” in invading Gaza, his strongest criticism of Israel since its war with Hamas began last year, and after footage of widespread destruction was broadcast. Many pointed out that he had turned against Israel.
in Interview with Israel Hayom President Trump on Sunday publicized the widespread destruction caused by the massive bombing campaign against Gaza and the continuing ground invasion of Israel after an Oct. 7 Hamas attack killed more than 1,100 Israelis. criticized.
President Trump said anti-Semitism is on the rise in the United States and abroad because Israel is “fighting back.”
“I think Israel made a very big mistake,” he said. “I wanted to call you. [Israel] And say don’t do it. These photos and shots. In other words, this is a video of a bomb being dropped on a building in Gaza. And I said, ‘Oh, that’s a terrible portrait.’ ”
“This is a very bad situation for the world,” he continued. “The world is watching this…I was watching buildings fall on people every night. They claim it was provided by the Department of Defense and whoever provided it says it’s a bad image. Let’s go.”
President Trump reiterated his support for Israel, but said footage of the military’s heavy-handed response was stirring up anti-Israel and anti-Semitic sentiment.
“Go and do what you have to do. But you don’t do that,” he said, referring to mass bombing. “And I think that’s one of the reasons there were a lot of kickbacks. Even if people didn’t see it, I’ve watched all of them every night. And Israel knew it was tough. I think I wanted to show that sometimes you shouldn’t do that.”
He then called on the country’s leadership to change the public’s image of the conflict.
“Israel has to improve its propaganda and public relations, because Israel is in a state of ruin right now,” President Trump said. “I think they’ve been hurt very badly in terms of public relations.”
The criticism comes as Democrats continue to increase pressure on the Israeli government over the civilian casualties and humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, more than 32,000 Palestinians have been killed so far.
Both Presidents Trump and Biden have expressed strong support for Israel, but Democrats have been more vocal in their criticism of Israel in recent weeks. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York called for new elections in Israel earlier this month, a move criticized by President Trump.
Biden also said Israel’s military strikes were “going too far” and claimed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s leadership was “hurting Israel more than helping it.” President Trump similarly condemned the comments, claiming that Biden had “kicked out” Prime Minister Netanyahu.
President Trump has largely avoided commenting on the Israel-Hamas war, adding that he supports Israel but sending mixed messages on specifics. He said in November that he should “let the conflict take its course” and earlier this month urged the Israeli government to continue its invasion of Gaza.
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