In a stunning revelation that could strain US-Israel relations, former President Donald Trump has accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of failing to act on critical intelligence provided by American agencies prior to the devastating October 7th Hamas attack.
The extraordinary claims emerged during a wide-ranging interview, where Trump portrayed Netanyahu as unprepared and ungrateful despite Washington's significant military and financial support to Israel.
'He Let Us Down' - Trump's Scathing Assessment
"I think he was not prepared. I think he was not prepared, and Israel was not prepared," Trump stated bluntly. "And you know, I have a couple of words for that. But I'm not going to use them now. But I will at the appropriate time."
The former president's most damning allegation centres on what he describes as ignored warnings: "I will say that Israel was not prepared, and the United States told them. The United States told them. I think he didn't act fast enough."
A Relationship Under Strain
Trump's comments reveal deep fissures in what was once portrayed as an unbreakable alliance. The former president suggested Netanyahu's appreciation for American support has been lacking, particularly regarding the targeted elimination of Qassem Soleimani, the powerful Iranian general.
"I had a bad experience with Bibi," Trump revealed, using the Israeli leader's nickname. "And that had to do with... he was very good early on. But then he started... he did something that was not good."
The Soleimani Operation Controversy
Trump specifically referenced the 2020 drone strike that killed Soleimani, a operation he claims Netanyahu failed to properly acknowledge despite its significant benefits to Israeli security.
"We did that really for Israel more than anybody else," Trump asserted. "And Bibi tried to take credit for it. That didn't make me feel too good."
The former president's remarks suggest a relationship fraught with personal slights and perceived ingratitude, potentially complicating future diplomatic efforts should Trump return to office.
Political Repercussions and Future Implications
These explosive comments come at a sensitive time for both leaders. Netanyahu faces mounting domestic pressure over security failures, while Trump positions himself for a potential return to the White House.
The allegations raise serious questions about intelligence sharing protocols between allied nations and how such critical information is acted upon when threats are identified.
As both men navigate complex political landscapes, these revelations could have lasting implications for one of the world's most strategically important bilateral relationships.
