Trump Expresses 'Shock' Over Shifting US-Israel Dynamics, Warns of Eroding Global Support Amid Gaza Conflict

Former President Donald Trump has voiced his astonishment regarding what he perceives as a significant decline in Israel's influence within the United States Congress. Speaking candidly, Trump suggested that the once-unquestioned sway Israel held over American lawmakers has diminished, a development he explicitly found 'shocking'.

His remarks come amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, which he warned is increasingly detrimental to Israel's standing on the global stage.

During a recent interview, Trump articulated his long-held belief that, at one point, 'Israel literally owned Congress.' He elaborated on this assertion, stating, 'You couldn’t do anything without Israel...

they had power, they had great power.' This perspective underscores a widely discussed aspect of US-Israel relations, where the pro-Israel lobby has historically been a formidable force in American politics. However, Trump now claims this era has drawn to a close, expressing palpable surprise at the apparent shift.

The former commander-in-chief attributed this change, at least in part, to the actions and policies of current President Joe Biden.

Trump criticized Biden's handling of the Middle East situation, suggesting that the Democratic administration has inadvertently contributed to a weakening of Israel's traditional support base in Washington. While not directly providing specific examples of diminished influence, Trump's overall sentiment pointed to a perceived decline in the automatic, bipartisan backing Israel once enjoyed.

Beyond the corridors of Capitol Hill, Trump also highlighted the broader international ramifications of the protracted conflict in Gaza.

He cautioned that the intense and prolonged nature of the fighting, particularly the humanitarian crisis unfolding, is severely damaging Israel's global reputation. 'They're losing the world,' Trump stated emphatically, linking the ongoing violence to a precipitous drop in international sympathy and support for Israel.

Trump further asserted that the conflict has inadvertently strengthened Hamas, claiming that the group's standing has risen in the eyes of some due to the prolonged fighting.

This controversial assessment reflects a perspective that views the war as counterproductive to Israel's long-term security and diplomatic interests. His comments serve as a stark warning that while military objectives may be pursued, the price in terms of international perception and political capital could be substantial.

These recent statements from Donald Trump, a staunch ally of Israel during his presidency, signal a potential shift in how he views the dynamics of the conflict and its implications.

His 'shock' over the perceived loss of congressional control and his urgent warning about dwindling global support underscore a critical juncture in the ongoing dialogue surrounding the Israel-Hamas war and its far-reaching consequences for both regional stability and international relations.