Former President Donald Trump, during a recent rally in West Palm Beach, Florida, shocked attendees with revelations about a “bad experience” he claims to have had with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before the U.S.’s targeted killing of Gen. Qassem Soleimani, head of Iran’s Quds Force, in 2020. Trump’s unexpected comments have stirred a political storm, with domestic and international figures reacting sharply to his words.
At the heart of Trump’s grievance is the claim that Israel had initially promised to participate in the operation against Soleimani. “Israel was going to do this with us, and it was being planned and working on it for months,” he shared. However, on the eve of the operation, Trump alleged, “I got a call that Israel will not be participating in this attack.” The former President expressed deep disappointment, noting, “I’ll never forget that Bibi Netanyahu let us down,” and asserted that Netanyahu later attempted to claim credit for the successful operation.
Further intensifying the controversy, Trump highlighted the perceived intelligence shortcomings of Israel, referencing the recent attack by Hamas, which took Israel by surprise. In a remarkably blunt critique, he alluded to Israel’s defence minister as “this jerk” and underscored the need for Israel and the U.S. to “step up their game.”
Responses to Trump’s revelations were swift and critical. Shlomo Karhi, Israel’s communications minister, criticized Trump, noting it was “shameful” for a former U.S. president to make such accusations. On the home front, the White House and GOP contenders, including Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, decried Trump’s statements, particularly his alleged commendation of Hezbollah as “very smart.”
The background to this feud is noteworthy. Trump and Netanyahu were once political allies, but their relationship soured after Netanyahu congratulated then-President-elect Joe Biden following the contentious 2020 U.S. presidential election.
While the Biden administration has refrained from making substantial comments on Trump’s revelations, they have defended their support for Israel and countered Republican claims linking the Hamas invasion to financial assets released to Iran.
It’s worth noting that Trump’s comments come when he faces legal scrutiny over the alleged possession of classified documents at his Mar-a-Lago residence.
As the U.S. and Israel navigate the aftermath of these explosive remarks, the international community will be watching closely. The impact on the U.S.-Israel relationship, already tested by changing global dynamics, remains to be seen.
