Ex-US President Donald Trump warns of 'major wars in Middle East if not reelected' during meeting Israeli PM Netanyahu

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu convened in Florida on Friday for a meeting that concluded a week of Netanyahu's engagements with US political figures.

During the meeting, Trump criticized his Democratic rivals and cautioned about potential Middle East repercussions if he fails to secure reelection, reported AFP. Trump said, "We have incompetent people running our country," and added, "If we win, it'll be very simple. It's all gonna work out, and very quickly. If we don't, you could end up with major wars in the Middle East and maybe a third world war."

Following the meeting, Trump's campaign issued a statement pledging his commitment to fostering Middle East peace and combating anti-Semitism on US college campuses upon his return to the White House. The interaction between Trump and Netanyahu at Mar-a-Lago resort was marked by a warm reception, with Netanyahu displaying a hat bearing the words "TOTAL VICTORY," signaling his determination to overcome Hamas in Gaza.

In stark contrast, Netanyahu's meeting with Vice President Kamala Harris the previous day involved Harris urging the prime minister to secure a peace deal in Gaza and expressing her refusal to remain silent on the Palestinian enclave's suffering. Harris said, "What has happened in Gaza over the past nine months is devastating. The images of dead children and desperate hungry people fleeing for safety, sometimes displaced for the second, third or fourth time." Trump criticized Harris, labeling her as a "radical left person" and deeming her comments "disrespectful" towards Israel.

The past nine months have witnessed significant casualties resulting from Israeli operations against Hamas in Gaza. In October, a surprise attack by Hamas led to the loss of 1,197 lives in Israel, primarily civilians. Israel's retaliatory measures have claimed the lives of more than 39,175 Palestinians, according to the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza, which does not differentiate between civilian and militant deaths.

Netanyahu's relationship with Trump has been notably warmer compared to his interactions with President Biden. The Israeli leader has faced disagreements with the Biden administration on various issues, including civilian casualties in Gaza and the pace of US weapons deliveries to Israel. During his address to Congress, Netanyahu acknowledged both Biden and Trump, emphasizing the actions taken by the former president during his tenure, such as recognizing Israel's sovereignty over the Golan Heights, confronting Iran's aggression, and recognizing Jerusalem as Israel's capital while relocating the American embassy there.