In a revelation that threatens to send shockwaves through international diplomacy, former US President Donald Trump has levelled stunning accusations against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Speaking at a private event in Florida, Trump alleged that Netanyahu had prior knowledge of the devastating 7 October Hamas attack that killed over 1,200 Israelis.
The most incendiary claim, however, centred on Qatari-led hostage negotiations. Trump asserted that he personally advised a senior Israeli official to "let it happen" when discussing a planned payment from Qatar to Gaza, a move he believed would sabotage the mediation efforts he viewed as favourable to Hamas.
A Fractured Alliance and a Political Gambit
Trump's comments, captured on video and verified by multiple sources, expose the deep fractures in his once-close relationship with the Israeli leader. He expressed palpable bitterness towards Netanyahu for being among the first world leaders to congratulate Joe Biden on his 2020 election victory.
"I haven’t spoken to him since." Trump stated, framing Netanyahu's congratulation as "a terrible thing" and a personal betrayal. This personal grievance appears to be a driving force behind his decision to make these allegations public.
The Qatari Mediation Controversy
The heart of Trump's claim involves a complex diplomatic manoeuvre. He described Qatar as "not very friendly to Israel" and accused the nation of being "great for Hamas." His alleged instruction to an Israeli official was to block a substantial Qatari payment destined for Gaza, effectively cutting off a key channel of negotiation and humanitarian exchange.
This revelation places a glaring spotlight on the behind-the-scenes machinations of Middle East diplomacy and raises serious questions about the intentional disruption of processes that could have secured the release of hostages held by Hamas.
International Repercussions and Denials
Unsurprisingly, the Israeli government has vehemently denied Trump's claims. A spokesperson for Netanyahu's office dismissed the allegations regarding prior knowledge of the attack as "utterly baseless and completely false."
The story has nonetheless ignited a firestorm of commentary and analysis. Experts are questioning the potential impact on ongoing ceasefire and hostage negotiations, as well as the long-term stability of the crucial US-Israel relationship, regardless of who occupies the White House.
Trump's decision to air these grievances and intelligence claims at a private gathering underscores his continued influence on foreign policy discourse and his willingness to leverage sensitive international matters for personal and political ends.
