Former President Trump raised concerns about the potential for a third World War in the Middle East if he does not win the 2024 election. These remarks were made during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Mar-a-Lago, Trump's Florida resort.
Trump criticized Vice President Kamala Harris, the presumptive Democratic nominee, stating that she would be worse on Middle East issues. He suggested that if Harris were to succeed President Biden, ongoing conflicts in the region, such as Israel's war with Hamas in Gaza, could escalate into a broader regional conflict.
Netanyahu, who had met with both Biden and Harris earlier in the week, expressed concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza and called for an end to the war and the release of hostages held by Hamas.
Trump's meeting with Netanyahu marked their first face-to-face contact since Trump left office in 2020. The Israeli leader presented Trump with a photo of children held captive by Hamas, seeking support in the conflict.
Protests erupted in West Palm Beach, Florida, as Netanyahu arrived, with demonstrators expressing both support and opposition to Israel's actions in Gaza. Netanyahu accused Iran of funding the protests and criticized the demonstrators for their anti-Israel sentiments.
The conflict in Gaza, which began with a mass slaughter by Hamas in 2023, has resulted in ongoing violence and the continued captivity of hostages, including Americans.
