Former President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met at Mar-a-Lago on Friday, marking their first encounter since Trump’s departure from the White House.
The gathering followed Netanyahu’s meetings with President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris in Washington. Harris, the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, took a firm stance on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, urging Israel to minimize civilian casualties and allow more humanitarian aid. “I will not be silent about the suffering of Palestinians,” Harris stated, emphasizing her concern for the scale of human suffering in Gaza.
Trump, in contrast, criticized Harris for her comments, labeling them “disrespectful to Israel.” He remarked, “I actually don’t know how a person who is Jewish could vote for her, but that’s up to them.”
During their meeting, Netanyahu expressed hope that Harris’ remarks would not hinder a ceasefire deal, emphasizing the need for a united front between Israel and the U.S. “I think to the extent that Hamas understands there’s no daylight between Israel and the United States, that expedites the deal,” Netanyahu noted.
The reunion also offered Trump and Netanyahu a chance to reset their strained relationship. Despite past tensions—stemming from Netanyahu congratulating Biden on his 2020 victory and disagreements over the handling of the Oct. 7 Hamas attack—both leaders expressed a desire to move forward. “We’ve always had a good relationship,” Trump said.
Trump’s approach to the Israel-Hamas conflict remains consistent with his previous tenure, advocating for a swift resolution and criticizing Israel’s public relations efforts. “I want him to finish up and get it done quickly. You got to get it done quickly,” Trump reiterated.
As the conflict continues, the meeting between Trump and Netanyahu underscores the critical role of U.S. political dynamics in shaping Middle Eastern policy. With the 2024 election on the horizon, the positions taken by key figures like Trump and Harris will undoubtedly influence the future of U.S.-Israel relations and the broader quest for peace in the region.
