Trump Unleashes Scathing Attack on Netanyahu: A Seismic Shift in a Storied Alliance

The political landscape has been dramatically reshaped as former President Donald Trump launched an unprecedented and scathing attack on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, accusing him of severe intelligence failures leading up to the devastating October 7 attack by Hamas. This fiery broadside marks a seismic shift in a relationship once touted as one of the closest and most steadfast in global politics, transforming former allies into vocal adversaries.

Speaking from the campaign trail, Trump did not mince words, pointing directly at Netanyahu for what he characterized as a monumental intelligence oversight that left Israel vulnerable.

"He was not prepared," Trump asserted, referring to the October 7 assault. "Netanyahu has been fighting his whole life. They say he's brilliant. I said you don't look so brilliant to me because that was a very bad thing that happened." This blunt assessment underscores a growing chasm between the two leaders, whose bond was a hallmark of Trump's presidency.

Beyond the intelligence critique, Trump unleashed another startling allegation: that Netanyahu once tried to enlist him in a scheme to funnel money to Hamas via Qatar.

"He wanted to work with Qatar and give money to Hamas," Trump claimed, adding that he rebuffed the idea. "I wouldn't do it." Netanyahu’s office has vehemently denied this particular accusation, labeling it "false and without any basis," emphasizing that the Israeli government's policy under Netanyahu has consistently been to block funds to Hamas and hold Qatar accountable for its involvement in Hamas funding.

The former U.S.

President also renewed his demand for an apology from Netanyahu. This stems from Netanyahu's criticism of a 2019 ceasefire deal Trump brokered with Iran, which the Israeli Prime Minister deemed an unacceptable concession. Trump, still smarting from the perceived slight, stated, "I want an apology for all the mistakes he's made." This demand adds another layer of personal animosity to the already strained political disagreements.

Observers are scrutinizing the timing of Trump's remarks, delivered as he navigates a challenging presidential campaign.

His strategy appears to be one of positioning himself as a decisive leader who isn't afraid to challenge even long-standing allies. The criticisms also follow a pattern where Trump has often re-evaluated or even denigrated relationships he once championed if he feels they did not serve his or America's best interests.

The ramifications of this public fallout are significant.

The previously unwavering support between Washington and Jerusalem, particularly during the Trump years, now faces unprecedented internal challenges. As the Middle East remains a geopolitical tinderbox, the erosion of trust between these two influential figures could send ripples through regional alliances and international diplomacy.

The future trajectory of US-Israel relations, should Trump return to the White House, remains a critical question mark, laden with uncertainty and the potential for further dramatic shifts.