Trump lauds Netanyahu relationship, rebukes Harris on Gaza

Netanyahu expressed hope for a ceasefire and announced talks in Rome

PALM BEACH, FLORIDA:

Former US President Donald Trump emphasised his strong relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a meeting at Mar-a-Lago on Friday. Trump also criticised US Vice President Kamala Harris for her "disrespectful" comments regarding the Gaza war.

Netanyahu's visit to Trump came a day after his discussions with Democratic President Joe Biden and Vice President Harris, who is Trump's opponent in the upcoming November 5 presidential election. Trump, the Republican nominee, greeted Netanyahu and his wife Sara at his Florida resort, using the occasion to voice his disapproval of Harris's concerns about the humanitarian impact of Israel's nine-month campaign in Gaza.

"I think her remarks were disrespectful," Trump stated. In response, Netanyahu expressed hope that his US visit would expedite a ceasefire agreement. He suggested that Israeli military pressure had prompted movement towards a ceasefire and announced plans to send a team to Rome for further talks.

Trump's relationship with Netanyahu had previously been strained when Netanyahu congratulated Biden on his 2020 election victory, a win Trump continues to falsely claim was marred by voter fraud. More recently, Trump criticised Netanyahu for security lapses that allowed the Hamas attack on October 7, which escalated the conflict in Gaza.

Despite these past tensions, Trump dismissed any current discord with Netanyahu. "We have a very good relationship," he said, recalling policy changes during his presidency such as relocating the US embassy to Jerusalem and withdrawing from the international nuclear deal with Iran.

Opinion polls show a close race between Harris and Trump, prompting leaders like Netanyahu, who traditionally align with Trump's Republicans, to carefully navigate their US interactions. Harris's meeting with Netanyahu focused on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with Harris expressing serious concern over the situation. "I will not be silent," she declared, stressing that Israel's right to self-defense must consider the humanitarian impact.

Members of Netanyahu’s delegation were reportedly disappointed by Harris’s comments, worrying they indicated potential future policy shifts if she wins the presidency. Netanyahu, leading a far-right coalition opposed to Palestinian statehood, reiterated his defence of Israel's military actions in a speech to Congress, despite boycotts by several Democrats protesting the civilian toll in Gaza.

Netanyahu praised Biden's support but also highlighted Trump's pro-Israel decisions, including the Abraham Accords, which normalised Israel's relations with Bahrain and the UAE. The conflict in Gaza has resulted in significant casualties, with Israeli officials reporting thousands of militant deaths and ongoing hostilities.