US President Joe Biden criticized former President Donald Trump for describing Hezbollah as “very smart” while the Lebanese militant group was engaged in hostilities with Israel following the Hamas attack on the United States ally.
During a campaign speech in Florida, Trump falsely accused the Biden administration of financing the Hamas assault through a prisoner exchange deal with Iran, a country that has historically supported Hamas and Hezbollah. In response, Biden stated on social media that the US’s support for Israel remains steadfast, and praising terrorists seeking to destroy Israel is never appropriate.
Trump made these remarks while criticizing the White House, stating, “You know, Hezbollah is very smart. They’re all very smart.” The White House deputy press secretary called Trump’s comments “dangerous and unhinged.”
Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi expressed Israel’s anger at Trump’s untrustworthiness and called his comments shameful.
The conflict in the Middle East involves Hamas launching an attack from Gaza, leading to casualties in Israel and ongoing retaliation with air and artillery strikes. Additionally, clashes with Hezbollah in the north have further complicated the situation.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, who is also running for the 2024 Republican presidential nomination, criticized Trump’s remarks, stating that it was absurd for anyone, especially a presidential candidate, to attack Israel and praise Hezbollah terrorists as “very smart.”
The Trump campaign did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
