Former President Donald Trump has launched a series of fierce attacks on President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris following their decision to decline a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In statements shared on Truth Social on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, Trump expressed his support for Netanyahu and criticized the current administration’s approach to foreign relations.
The controversy began when both Biden and Harris turned down the opportunity to meet with Netanyahu before his address to Congress. Instead, Harris cited a scheduling conflict with an event in Indianapolis, where she was scheduled to speak at a convention of Zeta Phi Beta. An aide clarified that Harris would meet with Netanyahu at the White House later, but her absence from presiding over the Senate for the joint meeting with the Israeli Prime Minister raised eyebrows.
Traditionally, the vice president plays a prominent role in welcoming foreign leaders during joint meetings of Congress. However, this week, Senator Benjamin Cardin was chosen to sit beside Speaker Mike Johnson and represent the administration. This decision came amidst tensions between Democrats, including prominent figures like Senator Chuck Schumer and Senator Patty Murray, and Netanyahu over Israel’s policies and conduct in ongoing conflicts.
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Trump’s response to this diplomatic snub was swift and direct. He reiterated his commitment to Israel’s security and highlighted his accomplishments during his term, including the signing of the historic Abraham Accords. Trump emphasized his Peace Through Strength agenda, aiming to end violent conflicts and wars around the world, while criticizing Harris’s perceived lack of capability in handling these issues.
The former president also questioned the leadership abilities of Harris and Biden in the face of escalating global crises. Trump’s inflammatory remarks mirrored his well-known confrontational style, drawing attention to the contentious nature of US foreign policy under the current administration.
As the political spectacle unfolds, with Democrats divided over their approach to Netanyahu’s visit, Trump’s statements have added fuel to the fire. By positioning himself as a champion of Israel and a vocal critic of Biden and Harris, Trump continues to assert his influence on the national stage.
In the midst of these turbulent times, with conflicts raging in various parts of the world, the clash between political figures over foreign relations takes center stage. The decision of key players like Harris and prominent senators to skip Netanyahu’s address reflects a wider debate within the Democratic Party on the direction of US-Israeli relations.
As the dust settles and Netanyahu’s visit comes to a close, the fallout from these events is likely to reverberate within political circles. Trump’s vocal support for Netanyahu and his scathing attacks on Biden and Harris signal a deepening divide in US politics, with implications for both domestic and international affairs.
