The newspaper quoted informed sources as saying, “Trump informed Netanyahu during a meeting between them that he would like to end the war in the Gaza Strip by the time he returns to the White House, if he wins the upcoming US presidential elections.”
The newspaper noted that “Trump had previously said publicly that he wanted a quick Israeli victory in the war against the Palestinian faction movement, but the politician did not give a timetable for that.”
According to the newspaper’s sources, “Trump made this desire clear for the first time when he hosted the Israeli Prime Minister in Florida last July.”
A former Trump administration official told the newspaper, “The former US president did not focus on the details, and from his point of view, it is possible to approve some of the Israeli army’s activities in Gaza (as residual activity)” in the event of an official end to the war by Israel.
The Washington Post reported that Trump campaign spokeswoman Carolyn Levitt had previously said: “Thanks to President Trump’s leadership, there has been historic peace in the Middle East, and now all the progress Trump has made in the region has been shattered due to the weakness of the Harris-Biden administration and America’s recent policies.” “When Trump returns to the Oval Office, he will fix the mess created by Kamala and Biden’s policies, Israel will be protected again, Iran will return to bankruptcy, terrorists will be hunted down, and the bloodshed will end.”
Trump said during a gathering of his supporters in Pennsylvania last week that “Israel has improved its position on the conflict in the Middle East because its Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, is ignoring the directives of US President Joe Biden and his administration.”
The Washington Post noted that Trump “tried to court Jewish and Muslim voters alike with sometimes contradictory positions on the conflict in Gaza and Lebanon. He portrays himself as an unparalleled friend of Israel in front of the Jewish masses, while attracting his delegates in Arab societies by saying that Trump supports peace and opposes peace.” “War.”
Trump and Netanyahu have spoken on several occasions in the past few weeks. They had close relations when Trump was president, as the United States moved its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.
President Joe Biden supports Israel during its wars in Gaza and Lebanon, and Trump and Harris pledged to maintain US support for its ally.
The Israeli attack on the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023, has killed more than 43,000 people and injured 101,510 others. It has also led to the displacement of almost the entire population of Gaza, caused a hunger crisis, and sparked accusations of genocide in the International Court of Justice.
In Lebanon, a separate Israeli campaign has claimed the lives of more than 2,500 people and displaced more than a million. Israel says it is targeting Lebanese faction fighters who exchanged fire across the border with Israel over the past year.
Source: “The Times of Israel” + RT
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**Interview with Political Analyst Jane Turner on Trump’s Stance on Gaza Conflict**
**Editor**: Today we’re joined by political analyst Jane Turner to discuss recent reports regarding former President Donald Trump’s intentions towards the Gaza conflict. Jane, thank you for being here.
**Jane Turner**: Thank you for having me.
**Editor**: So, a recent newspaper article indicates that Trump expressed a desire to end the Gaza war by the time he potentially returns to the White House. How significant is this statement in the context of his foreign policy strategy?
**Jane Turner**: It’s quite significant. This statement not only reflects Trump’s long-standing relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu but also underscores his focus on Middle Eastern policies as a key component of his campaign. By positioning himself as a potential peace broker, he aims to attract voters who prioritize foreign policy, particularly regarding Israel.
**Editor**: The article mentions that Trump has previously called for a quick Israeli victory but did not give a specific timetable. How does this approach differ from his previous stance, if at all?
**Jane Turner**: Historically, Trump’s rhetoric has been aggressive in support of Israeli military actions. However, the idea of wanting to end the war could suggest a shift towards a more diplomatic approach. It may reflect an understanding that prolonged conflict can destabilize the region, which ultimately affects U.S. interests as well.
**Editor**: A former Trump administration official was quoted saying he might approve residual activities by the Israeli army, indicating some flexibility in his stance. What implications could this have for U.S.-Israel relations?
**Jane Turner**: It suggests a nuanced approach. Trump’s administration was characterized by strong support for Israel, but this indicates he might recognize the necessity of a balance between military actions and pursuing peace. If he can communicate that effectively, it could strengthen U.S.-Israel relations while also addressing some domestic concerns about the humanitarian impact of military actions.
**Editor**: The Trump campaign claims that his leadership brought “historic peace in the Middle East.” How do you view this assertion in light of the current situation?
**Jane Turner**: While Trump can point to certain diplomatic agreements, such as the Abraham Accords, the current conflict and unrest highlight the complexities of Middle Eastern politics. His framing will appeal to his base, emphasizing a return to his policies as a cure for recent tensions. However, the realities on the ground are much more complicated, and voters may be skeptical of such claims without clear results.
**Editor**: what should we watch for in the upcoming election regarding foreign policy and Trump’s potential platform?
**Jane Turner**: I would recommend keeping an eye on Trump’s messaging around foreign policy in general. Given the increasing volatility in the Middle East, how he proposes to rectify the situation and the specifics of his plan will be crucial. Additionally, any responses from the Biden administration, as they adjust their policies in light of these developments, will be important to observe as well.
**Editor**: Thank you, Jane, for your insights. It will be interesting to see how these developments unfold in the political sphere as the election approaches.
**Jane Turner**: Thank you for having me!