( Source- edition.cnn.com)
In a recent speech at an event addressing antisemitism in the United States, former President Donald Trump declared that the upcoming U.S. presidential election is the “most important” in Israel’s history. He claimed that if Vice President Kamala Harris were to win the presidency, Israel would be “eradicated” and “wiped off the face of the earth,” effectively ceasing to exist. Trump’s remarks on Israel’s future highlighted his concern about what he sees as the potential for Israel’s downfall under a Harris administration, urging Jewish voters to support him.
Addressing the Jewish audience, Trump expressed frustration over what he perceives as a lack of support from Jewish voters in the U.S. despite his pro-Israel record during his time in office. “You have to defeat Kamala Harris more than anyone on earth,” he stated emphatically. He further added, “More than any people on earth, Israel has to defeat her.” Trump’s remarks on Israel’s future with a promise to “make Israel great again,” referencing his past policies that favored the Jewish state.
Criticism and Backlash Over Antisemitism Speech
Trump’s statements quickly drew criticism, particularly from Jewish leaders. Amy Spitalnick, the CEO of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs, condemned his rhetoric. Spitalnick, who previously served as an aide to Democratic officials in New York, accused Trump of using the platform meant to combat antisemitism to propagate harmful stereotypes and make divisive political statements.
She stated, “Using a speech about antisemitism as an opportunity to embrace antisemitic tropes and attack the American Jewish community is dangerous.” Spitalnick further noted that treating Jews and Israel as “political footballs” undermines the safety of both Jewish communities and Israel. The remarks intensified ongoing debates about the intersection of U.S. politics, the Jewish community, and foreign policy regarding Israel.
Escalating Tensions Between Israel and Hezbollah
Amid Trump’s comments, tensions between Israel and Hezbollah continue to rise. On Thursday, Israel’s military reported launching a series of airstrikes targeting Hezbollah sites in southern Lebanon. According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), approximately 100 rocket launchers and additional terrorist infrastructure, including around 1,000 barrels ready for imminent use, were destroyed. These launchers, which consist of multi-barreled weapons capable of firing unguided rockets, pose a significant threat to Israeli security.
The Iranian-backed Hezbollah group responded with at least 17 attacks on military sites in northern Israel, intensifying the conflict. Meanwhile, Lebanon’s National News Agency reported that Israel carried out at least 52 strikes within a single hour between 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. local time, targeting key Hezbollah locations.
In response to Trump’s remarks on Israel’s future, Israel’s military issued new safety guidelines for civilians in northern Israel. Residents in affected areas have been instructed to limit their movements, avoid gatherings, and stay close to shelters for protection as the situation remains volatile.
These developments come at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions, further complicating the political discourse surrounding U.S.-Israel relations and the broader Middle East conflict.