Amidst Republican criticism of the Biden administration in the wake of a significant attack on Israel by Hamas militants, a former U.S. general, Mark Hertling, took to Twitter to shed light on an incident during Donald Trump’s presidency.
According to The Independent on Monday, October 9, Hertling referred to allegations that Trump shared classified Israeli intelligence with Russia, sparking concerns that Russia might share this information with Iran, a longtime supporter of the Palestinian cause.
This incident dates back to 2017 when Trump purportedly informed top Russian officials that Israel had successfully hacked ISIS computers to gather intelligence on bomb plots targeting the West. Israel was worried that Russia might pass this sensitive information to Iran.
The disclosure reportedly happened during a meeting at the White House with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and then-Russian Ambassador to the U.S., Sergey Kislyak.
Despite the controversy, Trump defended his actions, arguing that he shared the information with Russia for humanitarian reasons and to aid Russia’s efforts against ISIS and terrorism.
General Hertling’s reminder of this incident comes amid accusations by Republican presidential contenders that the Biden administration indirectly funded recent attacks in Israel.
These attacks resulted in over 700 casualties and followed a deal that released $6 billion in previously frozen assets for humanitarian purposes in Iran.
While administration officials maintain that these funds have not yet been spent and are designated for humanitarian use, some Republicans, including Trump, Ron DeSantis, Tim Scott, and JD Vance, suggest a potential link between the funds and the attacks.
Hertling, a vocal Trump critic, emphasized the “fungible” nature of funds and the possibility of Iran reallocating these funds. Iran annually provides about $100 million to Palestinian armed groups, including Hamas and Islamic Jihad.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis accused President Biden of being lenient toward Iran, asserting that this indirectly contributed to the attacks on Israel. South Carolina Senator Tim Scott alleged that the attacks resulted from the $6 billion payment, calling it a “ransom.
The White House, however, stressed that the funds are earmarked for humanitarian purposes, such as food and medicine for Iranians, and are managed by vetted non-Iranian vendors.
Administration officials clarify that these funds are not taxpayer money but originate from payments made by South Korea to Iran for oil purchases in recent years.
Trump criticized the Biden administration for perceived global weakness, suggesting that it had invited aggression and that such events would not have occurred under his leadership.
While the controversy continues, Hamas militants launched attacks on Israel, resulting in hundreds of casualties, including at least nine Americans. In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared a state of war and vowed retaliation.
The situation has escalated, with Israel imposing a “complete siege” on Gaza, including power cuts and restrictions on food and fuel. Sirens and explosions have been reported in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, indicating rocket attacks and potential mid-air interceptions.
