ALBAWABA - Former President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has asked Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to speed up Israel's Gaza war. Trump opposed ceasefire offers because they may hinder Israel's efforts.
Trump said Thursday at a news conference, "Netanyahu is in control. I asked him to end the Gaza war quickly and decisively. Get the victory and finish. The bloodshed must end."
Trump mentioned his late July meeting with Netanyahu at his Florida home during Netanyahu's visit to the US. Netanyahu also met with President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and Democratic candidate Harris during that trip.
Later on Thursday, during an additional event centered on battling anti-Semitism, Trump attacked Biden and Harris for their continuous demands for an end to hostilities in Gaza.
"Harris has been consistently working to restrain Israel by insisting on an immediate ceasefire," he claimed.
He cautioned that ending the battle now would "only give Hamas time to regroup and plan another attack similar to what happened on October 7."
Trump offered strong support for Israel to win but stressed the need for a swift conclusion, saying prolonged the confrontation undermines Israel's image.
According to Israeli Channel 12, Trump said, "Israel seems too small on the map, and I’ve often thought about how its borders could be extended."
Netanyahu's and Trump's offices rejected Axios' Thursday story that the two leaders discussed a Gaza ceasefire and captive release.
One of two anonymous American insiders told Axios that Trump's conversation was meant to encourage Netanyahu to accept a truce. The insider could not confirm if Netanyahu was informed.
Doha hosted Palestinian resistance group-Israeli diplomatic talks yesterday, organized by Qatar, Egypt, and the US. After over 10 months of fierce Gaza fighting, talks begin.
