Trump says he stands with Netanyahu after a barrage of GOP criticism for saying he ‘let us down’

Former President Donald Trump has expressed his support for Israel’s Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, following a series of critical remarks that had drawn widespread attention. Trump, known for his candid statements, initially voiced his disappointment in Netanyahu, accusing him of “letting us down” in the aftermath of deadly attacks by Hamas. However, in a recent post on his Truth Social network, Trump used hashtags to signal his solidarity with Israel and Netanyahu, writing “#IStandWithIsrael” and “#IStandWithBibi.”

This change in tone starkly contrasts with Trump’s earlier remarks made at a rally in Florida, where he not only criticized Netanyahu but also questioned the effectiveness of U.S. intelligence agencies and referred to Hezbollah, an organization feared by Israel, as “very smart.” These comments had drawn condemnation not only from the White House but also from Trump’s fellow Republicans, who typically hesitate to criticize the former president due to his strong support within the party’s base.

In an attempt to mitigate the fallout, Trump’s team later issued statements emphasizing his past support for Israel. Trump himself asserted, “There was no better friend or ally of Israel than President Donald J. Trump.” He also praised the Israeli soldiers engaged in combat against Hamas following the surprise attack on October 7, which has resulted in a significant loss of life on both sides.

While Trump and Netanyahu had a close working relationship during Trump’s presidency, tensions arose when Netanyahu congratulated then-President-elect Joe Biden following the 2020 election. Trump, according to an author who interviewed him for a book on Middle East peace efforts, used strong language to express his frustration with Netanyahu and accused him of disloyalty.

Trump’s spokesperson, Steven Cheung, denied any change in Trump’s stance and underscored Trump’s pro-Israel record during his presidency, including relocating the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem and brokering the Abraham Accords.

Despite these efforts, Trump’s GOP rivals continued to criticize him for his comments. Former Vice President Mike Pence labeled the remarks as “reckless and irresponsible,” emphasizing the importance of unity in supporting Israel. Nikki Haley, Trump’s former ambassador to the United Nations, called for a president who can distinguish between good and evil, questioning Trump’s judgment. Former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, a vocal Trump critic, characterized Trump as self-consumed and suggested that his animosity towards Netanyahu stemmed from the Israeli leader’s congratulations to Joe Biden after the 2020 election.

This controversy highlights the challenges of navigating foreign policy and diplomacy in the realm of international relations, especially when intertwined with domestic politics.

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