In a dramatic intervention into Middle Eastern diplomacy, former US President Donald Trump has reportedly urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to rapidly conclude military operations in Gaza, advising him to "finish the problem" while simultaneously criticising the current Biden administration's handling of the conflict.
Trump's Direct Intervention
According to sources familiar with the conversation, Trump emphasised the importance of ending the conflict quickly, telling Netanyahu that Israel is "losing the PR war" internationally. The former president's unsolicited advice comes amid ongoing ceasefire negotiations and increasing global pressure on Israel to scale back its military campaign.
Contrasting Approaches to Middle East Peace
The intervention highlights stark differences between Trump's and Biden's approaches to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. While the Biden administration has pursued traditional diplomatic channels and expressed concerns about civilian casualties, Trump's approach reflects his signature transactional style of foreign policy.
Trump reportedly told Netanyahu that he should have acted more swiftly following the October 7 attacks, suggesting the current prolonged conflict has damaged Israel's international standing.
Political Implications
This diplomatic manoeuvring occurs against the backdrop of Trump's potential return to the White House, with Middle East policy emerging as a key point of contrast between the presumptive Republican nominee and President Biden. Trump's comments suggest he would pursue a significantly different strategy toward the region if re-elected.
International Reaction
The former president's intervention has drawn mixed reactions from international observers. Some see it as undermining current administration efforts, while others view it as typical of Trump's hands-on approach to international conflicts, even while out of office.
As ceasefire negotiations continue behind closed doors, Trump's public positioning signals potential dramatic shifts in US Middle East policy should he secure a second term in November's election.
