Former U.S. President Donald Trump revealed on Thursday that during a recent meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, he advised Netanyahu to achieve a swift victory in Gaza, stating that “the killing has to stop.”
During a press conference in New Jersey, Trump was asked whether he encouraged Netanyahu to reject a ceasefire with Hamas. Trump denied this, asserting that Netanyahu “knows what he’s doing.”
“I did encourage him to end the conflict quickly. Resolve it fast, secure your victory, and move on. The killing must stop,” Trump said.
Trump has long advocated for a rapid resolution to the conflict with Hamas, arguing that Israel’s public relations issues worsen with the prolongation of the war that began with Hamas’s October 7 attack. His statement about ending the killing represents his most direct criticism of Israel’s approach to the Gaza conflict.
Later, at an event in New Jersey focused on combating antisemitism, Trump criticized his Democratic opponent, Kamala Harris, for her calls for a ceasefire. He argued that such demands would only allow Hamas to regroup and plan further attacks.
“I will support Israel in achieving victory, but I want that victory to come quickly,” Trump emphasized.
Trump was introduced at the event by Miriam Adelson, widow of casino magnate Sheldon Adelson, who has supported Trump’s presidential campaign. The Adelsons were significant financial backers of Trump in 2020.
Trump also criticized Harris for allegedly seeking support from “venomous antisemites” within her party, despite her marriage to a Jewish partner. He warned that a Harris presidency would lead to radical leftists and Hamas sympathizers influencing U.S. foreign policy, which he claimed would endanger Israel.
Labeling pro-Palestinian protesters as “pro-Hamas thugs” and “jihad sympathizers,” Trump threatened to arrest and deport them if he returns to the White House.
Earlier at the press conference, Trump addressed a report claiming he and Netanyahu spoke about a hostage deal. Both Trump and Netanyahu’s office denied this, with Trump stating he has not spoken to Netanyahu since their last meeting at his Florida golf resort.
Trump reiterated that if he were president, Hamas’s October 7 attack would not have occurred.
Despite a previous falling out with Netanyahu after Netanyahu’s congratulatory remarks to Joe Biden, Trump affirmed he maintains a good relationship with the Israeli leader. Last month, Trump had called for an immediate end to the Gaza war and the release of hostages, a position he reiterated during his Mar-a-Lago meeting with Netanyahu.
