Unveiling Trump's Controversial Stance on Israel: A Deep Dive into His Diplomatic Strategy

Donald Trump's insensitive remarks regarding Hamas' atrocities in Israel underscore his self-centered approach to foreign policy and overall political mindset. His unfavorable critique of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, praise for Hezbollah militants as "highly intelligent," and opportunistic exploitation of the tragic attacks that claimed the lives of 1,200 individuals, by insinuating that it would not have occurred if the election was not "rigged," further highlight his self-serving agenda.

The former president openly acknowledged his resentment towards Netanyahu, expressing his dissatisfaction with Netanyahu's last-minute withdrawal from participating in the US air attack that resulted in the assassination of Iranian intelligence chief Qasem Soleimani in Iraq in 2020. Prior to this incident, Trump had shown displeasure over the Israeli leader's perceived disloyalty in acknowledging his election loss.

Now that Trump is a private citizen, it is possible that he would not have addressed this situation in the same manner if he were still president, although there were numerous instances during his time in the White House where he displayed insensitivity and lack of discretion. However, as the 2024 Republican front-runner for president, his statements are closely scrutinized for indications of how he would behave in office. His recent remarks contribute to the abundant evidence suggesting that a second Trump term would be even more chaotic domestically and globally disruptive than his initial four-year tenure in power.

Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump speaks Wednesday, Oct. 11, 2023, at Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach, Fla.

Rebecca Blackwell/AP

Trump sharply criticizes Netanyahu over intelligence failure in latest sign of soured relationship

The criticism of the former president's remarks provided an opportunity for his Republican rivals to attack him, claiming that his conduct was not befitting of a potential commander in chief, especially when an ally was under attack and Americans had lost their lives in a horrific situation. Some individuals expressed concern over his seeming admiration for Hezbollah, a Lebanese militia group that opposes Israel.

"He is foolish. Making such comments only proves his foolishness," remarked former New Jersey Governor Chris Christie, who has focused his campaign on highlighting Trump's unsuitability for the presidency, in an interview with CNN.

"Christie emphasized that only a foolish individual would make comments that provide aid and comfort to Israel's adversary in this situation. He noted that this person's concerns lie solely with themselves, rather than with the American people or the people of Israel.

In an attempt to address the escalating controversy, the former president issued a statement on Thursday evening. He asserted that he was the ultimate friend and ally of Israel and criticized President Joe Biden for being weak and incompetent. "If President Trump returns to office, Israel and all others will once again be secure!" he declared.

Trump's initial analysis, which focused on grievances, reflects an unconventional and transactional approach to foreign policy that often prioritizes his personal goals over the national interest. This contrasts with his potential opponent in the 2024 election, Biden, who responded to the attack using more traditional diplomatic tactics such as rhetoric and personal diplomacy with key foreign leaders, and by rallying allies. Despite having personal and political disagreements with Netanyahu, Biden put aside their differences prior to the attack and has maintained constant communication with the prime minister since then.

Biden is attempting to find a middle ground. He has demonstrated strong support for Israel, surpassing that of recent US presidents, and acknowledges its need to retaliate and regain a sense of security after a significant breach of its borders and national psyche in 50 years. However, Biden is also privately and publicly signaling to Netanyahu that Israel's response should not violate the laws of war and that he should consider the humanitarian consequences of a Gaza invasion. This is in an effort to prevent the conflict from escalating into a dangerous regional confrontation that could involve the US.

Trump singles out Netanyahu

Trump stated on Fox News that Netanyahu had been severely impacted by the attacks, expressing that both Netanyahu and Israel were unprepared. While his comments may not be entirely incorrect, it is questionable to criticize at a time when Israel, a close ally of the United States, is in desperate need of support instead of political point-scoring and speculation. The fact that Trump is willing to criticize Netanyahu, despite the Israeli leader's efforts to align himself politically with the former president, highlights how loyalty is a one-way street for Trump. Those who he believes have crossed him are likely to face public reprimand.

This is not the first time Trump has seemed to exploit his foreign policy and his stance on Israel for political gain. In October of last year, he expressed dissatisfaction with American Jews for not showing enough gratitude for his actions, such as relocating the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem while he was in office.

"I have done more for Israel than any other President," Trump stated on his Truth Social platform. He noted that it was interesting how "our wonderful Evangelicals appreciate this more than the Jewish community, particularly those in the United States." Criticisms were raised, accusing him of using anti-Semitic stereotypes and attempting to demand the loyalty of American Jews. The White House condemned his remarks, stating that he had insulted both Jews and Israelis.

Trump's comments on Hezbollah, a group capable of causing even more destruction to Israel, were also viewed as inappropriate. "They are cruel and intelligent. And, let me tell you, their ruthlessness is unparalleled," Trump stated at a political event in Florida. This statement aligns with his tendency to praise foreign adversaries whom he perceives as strong, even if they govern with authoritarianism, violate fundamental human rights, and are considered enemies of the United States. He has consistently demonstrated his admiration for Chinese President Xi Jinping and North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un. Additionally, he has furthered his extensive history of praising Vladimir Putin, who is accused of war crimes due to actions committed during the Ukrainian conflict, by recently referring to him as "a genius."

Trump frequently prioritized his own political gains over national interests during his time in office. For example, during a summit with Putin in Helsinki, he aligned himself with Putin's denial of US intelligence agency findings that Russia meddled in the 2016 election to assist him.

The ex-president is now advocating for a nationalist foreign policy under the banner of "America First," which emphasizes tough rhetoric and assertiveness on the global stage. He also maintains a disdainful attitude towards allies and the international security system that has been the cornerstone of American power since the end of World War II. While these viewpoints would significantly shift US foreign policy, it is his right to present them to voters and attempt to gain support for his vision.

Trumps remarks on Soleimani may have crossed a line

During the Florida event, Trump criticized Israel for not participating in the raid that resulted in the death of Soleimani. He expressed disappointment in Netanyahu, stating, "I will never forget that Bibi Netanyahu let us down. That was a truly terrible thing." It remains unclear if Israel had been approached for involvement in the mission and whether Trump had breached trust with an ally or divulged classified information.

However, the former president has a history of being careless with sensitive government information. He currently faces charges related to the mishandling of classified documents stored at his Mar-a-Lago resort after his presidency ended. Just last week, ABC News reported that Trump allegedly shared confidential information about the submarine service and nuclear weapons with an Australian billionaire. Trump vehemently denies any wrongdoing.

The ex-presidents GOP rivals, who have struggled to exploit his political weaknesses without alienating his fiercely loyal supporters, seized the opportunity to criticize his remarks about Netanyahu.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis criticized Trump's comments, describing them as "verbal attacks" on Israel. Speaking in New Hampshire, DeSantis emphasized that now is not the time to air personal grievances or criticize the Israeli prime minister, Prime Minister Bibi Netanyahu, or Israel's defense minister. He also mentioned Trump's remarks on Hezbollah, questioning their wisdom.

Former Vice President Mike Pence, despite being part of the previous administration that often challenged American values, criticized Trump's foreign policy decisions. Pence suggested that Trump had changed during his time out of office, a statement open to debate and possibly serving Pence's own interests in distancing himself from any perceived excesses during Trump's presidency.

Pence stated on a New Hampshire radio station that Trump, along with his followers, fail to convey the robustness of American foreign policy that we experience daily. Trump's approach to foreign policy is characterized by his distinctiveness, disregard for convention, and alignment with personal biases, grievances, and political opportunism. If he were to win the 2024 election, this idiosyncratic style would undoubtedly disrupt the international arena once again.