IDF combat soldier, reservist, and news anchor Lital Shemesh discusses the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, expressing her concerns about the escalating violence and the expectation of an Israeli ground invasion. Meanwhile, Republican presidential candidate and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis criticized former President Trump for his remarks praising the Hezbollah terrorist group and accusing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of an “attack.” DeSantis took to X (formerly Twitter) to address Trump’s comments, emphasizing the importance of standing with Israel and condemning terrorists. DeSantis stated, “As President, I will treat terrorists like the scum that they are.”
In a speech given in West Palm Beach, Florida, Trump blamed the Biden administration for the recent terror attack on Israel and attributed the bloodshed to the Iran-backed terrorist group Hezbollah, operating in Lebanon. Trump also criticized Netanyahu, claiming that the Israeli leader had backed out of a plan to eliminate Iran’s top security and intelligence commander, Maj. Gen. Qassim Suleimani, who was killed by an American drone strike in 2020. Trump expressed disappointment with Netanyahu’s actions and stressed the need for Israel to strengthen itself in the face of potential threats from Iran.
DeSantis’s criticism of Trump’s remarks reflects the ongoing tension within the Republican party regarding the approach towards Israel and terrorism. While Trump considers himself a strong ally to Israel, DeSantis’s response highlights the importance of maintaining a firm stance against terrorists and supporting Israel unequivocally.
A spokesperson for the Trump campaign clarified that the former president’s comments were meant to criticize the Biden administration’s incompetence in telegraphing vulnerable areas to terrorists, rather than praise Hezbollah. The spokesperson emphasized that “smart does not equal good” and accused Biden of being “stupid.”
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas continues to escalate, with Israeli airstrikes targeting senior Hamas operatives and operational command centers in Gaza. The Biden administration has stated that there is no specific evidence directly linking Iran to the Hamas attack on Israel but acknowledges the broad complicity of various actors in the region.
As the 2024 campaign trail unfolds, the discussion surrounding Israel, terrorism, and US foreign policy remains prominent. The statements made by Trump and DeSantis reflect the differing perspectives within the Republican party and the importance of addressing these complex issues in a comprehensive and strategic manner.
About the Author:
Danielle Wallace is a reporter for Digital, covering politics, crime, police, and more. She can be reached at [email protected] and on Twitter: @danimwallace. Stay updated with the latest news and exclusive interviews from the 2024 campaign trail by subscribing to the newsletter.
