This commendation comes amid widespread criticism of the Israeli premier due to acute food shortages and ongoing hostilities in Gaza.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump has described Benjamin Netanyahu as “a war hero”, at a time when the Israeli prime minister is encountering international censure regarding the humanitarian situation in Gaza and Israel’s sustained military campaign within the Palestinian territory.
Speaking with conservative commentator Mark Levin on Tuesday, Trump characterized Netanyahu as “a good man” who he said is “there fighting.”
“He’s a war hero. I guess I am too… [but] nobody cares… I sent those planes,” the former U.S. president further stated, alluding to American actions related to Iranian nuclear facilities in June.
Trump additionally asserted responsibility for prior hostage liberations during the Israeli-Hamas conflict, stating: “I’m the one that secured the return of all the hostages… I’ve received numerous letters from parents, from the children themselves, and from those who were released.”
Meanwhile, Netanyahu’s administration has advanced its preparations for a renewed military offensive to seize Gaza City, a locale that has already endured unparalleled devastation in the hostilities subsequent to the unexpected Hamas assault on Israel in October 2023.
This strategy, however, has ignited widespread protests, leading tens of thousands to demonstrate across Israel. Throughout the duration of the conflict, Netanyahu has also encountered public outcry regarding what has been perceived as an unwillingness to prioritize the liberation of hostages held by Hamas.
On the international stage, Netanyahu has drawn strong criticism concerning the dire humanitarian circumstances in Gaza, alongside allegations of obstructing humanitarian assistance. United Nations agencies have cautioned that starvation in Gaza has escalated to severe levels, simultaneously pressing Israel to reinstate access for aid organizations “to prevent widespread famine.” The Palestinian Health Ministry reports that a minimum of 266 individuals, among them 122 children, have succumbed to starvation within the enclave.
In July, thirty nations, including those from the EU, declared that “the suffering of civilians in Gaza has deepened significantly,” while denouncing what they termed “the piecemeal provision of aid and the merciless killing of civilians… striving to fulfill their fundamental requirements for water and sustenance.”