Staff Reports
In an unsolicited reminder of the tension between politics and international relations, former President Donald Trump dialed into conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt’s show on the somber anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel. During his phone call, Trump made a bold assertion: Israel needs to “get smart” about supporting him, claiming he has done more for the Jewish state than it has reciprocated.
The former commander-in-chief expressed confidence in Israel’s resilience, predicting that the nation may emerge stronger from its recent adversities. His glowing appraisal of Israel’s military prowess was matched only by his insistence that the country’s leadership has overlooked the substantive support he has extended. Without skipping a beat, Trump made it clear that the solution to Israel’s woes lies squarely in its willingness to back him politically.
While he may have skipped over the specifics of what backing him entails, he’s always emphasized his unwavering support for Israel. Trump has repeatedly proclaimed his friendship with the Jewish community while simultaneously suggesting that U.S. Jews ought to rally behind him. Unsurprisingly, in a world where political allegiances can be fluid, he pointed out that he holds the title of being the “best friend” Jewish Americans have ever had in the White House.
Trump said Israel has to ‘get smart’ about supporting him morehttps://t.co/drMFcb6OhS pic.twitter.com/2koXSSGfZE
— The Washington Times (@WashTimes) October 7, 2024
Despite Trump’s well-known support for Israel, it hasn’t gone unnoticed that many American Jews continue to vote predominantly Democrat. This trend, while shifting slightly in recent cycles, remains a thorny issue, especially given the growing chasm between progressive voices and Israel. Notably, this evolving dynamic has coincided with an influx of Arab and Muslim voters who tend to view the situation through an entirely different lens.
During the call, Trump expressed his unequivocal support for Israel’s right to retaliate against Iran, hinting at a more aggressive foreign policy stance. He outlined his belief that Israel is entirely justified in pursuing an offensive strategy, emphasizing that the international community is likely to rally behind such actions. He also proposed the intriguing idea of implementing a protective shield for the United States akin to Israel’s Iron Dome, a technology developed with significant American input.
In essence, Trump’s message was straightforward: if Israel wants to thrive and attain true sovereignty, understanding the economic and political benefits of aligning with him is essential. His call may very well serve as a reminder—in an era defined by shifting global alliances—that political savvy can be just as vital as military capability on the world stage.
