Playing both sides? Benjamin Netanyahu slates Donald Trump Mar-a-Lago meetup

Netanyahu AP
The Israeli PM will be in Florida this week.

Israel’s embattled Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu isn’t just going to meet with the current presidential administration this week.

He will, according to former President Donald Trump, make a pilgrimage to Mar-a-Lago as well.

“Looking forward to welcoming Bibi Netanyahu at Mar-a-Lago in Palm Beach, Florida. During my first term, we had Peace and Stability in the Region, even signing the historic Abraham Accords — And we will have it again,” Trump said.

From there, he pivoted to comparison with the current administration.

“Just as I have said in discussions with President (Volodymyr) Zelensky and other World Leaders in recent weeks, my PEACE THROUGH STRENGTH Agenda will demonstrate to the World that these horrible, deadly Wars, and violent Conflicts must end. Millions are dying, and Kamala Harris is in no way capable of stopping it.”

The Netanyahu-Trump confab was in doubt, per the Times of Israel, which reported Tuesday that “a report suggesting that Trump had thus far declined to schedule a meeting with Netanyahu cast another question mark over the high-level visit.”

The Israeli leader is slated to address Congress on Wednesday and meet with President Joe Biden Thursday, and the Mar-a-Lago sojourn will extend the long-term Likud Prime Minister’s stay in the country for at least one more day.

Vice President Harris is also expected to meet with Netanyahu, notes the same Times of Israel report.

According to a spokesperson, she will communicate “her view that it is time for the war to end in a way in which Israel is secure, all hostages are released, the suffering of Palestinian civilians in Gaza ends and the Palestinian people can enjoy their right to dignity, freedom, and self-determination.”

“We anticipate she will underscore her commitment to ensure Israel can defend itself from threats from Iran and Iranian-backed militias, including Lebanese Hezbollah and Hamas. She will again condemn Hamas’ brutal terrorist attack on October 7, and horrific sexual violence. She will reiterate her deep concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza and the loss of innocent life,” the spokesperson added.

A.G. Gancarski

A.G. Gancarski has been the Northeast Florida correspondent for Florida Politics since 2014. His work also can be seen in the Washington Post, the New York Post, the Washington Times, and National Review, among other publications. He can be reached at [email protected] or on Twitter: @AGGancarski


7 comments

  • Not Blue

    July 23, 2024 at 5:26 pm

    Remember who finally moved the US Embassy to Jerusalem. Never understood why the Jewish vote is so strong Democrat. The party that seems to favor Hamas now over Israel.

    • George

      July 23, 2024 at 5:31 pm

      Why does the GOP continually suck up to Israel? Shouldn’t the USA take priority?

    • Kamala is Brat🌴🥥

      July 24, 2024 at 7:13 am

      Here’s your answer:
      American Jews are highly educated. American Jews are freedom loving patriots who know a fraud and scammer when they see one. Conversation with anyone in the Republican Party could lead to a DEI label. Have a great day! Watch out for falling coconuts…it’s windy out there today!

      • MH/Duuuval

        July 24, 2024 at 9:20 pm

        American Jewry today is divided on Israel’s present government, the war in Gaza, and Zionism.

        It was heartening to see Orthodox Jews protesting Netanyahu in DC today, but on the West Bank Jewish settlers and provocateurs are making life hell for Palestinians.

  • ScienceBLVR

    July 23, 2024 at 5:40 pm

    Moving the embassy may have destabilized the region and was little more than a religious media stunt- kind of like holding up bibles and claiming Gods divine intervention when it makes a good photo op. Hmmm, wonder if it upset the delicate balance over there, Trump with his big boot kickers stomping about. Thank goodness Kamala’s election will keep Trump from committing more world disasters and destabilizations..

  • Susan

    July 23, 2024 at 7:35 pm

    Who is the spokesperson who wrote these talking points for Harris? From Israel or Harris campaign, or White House? I would like to hear it directly from Harris, and before the public. They’re in such a strange place because she is not president but will be. This is a new position and I want to hear her speak on it in her own words. They can and will use the opportunity for her to appear presidential. I want to hear it and see it, not get a closed edited report later.

  • Andrew Finn

    July 26, 2024 at 11:30 pm

    Benjamin Netanyahu is a smart man thinking ahead for his country. He wants to get set up and in good with Donald Trump because six months from now Donald Trump will again be the President of the United States. He will need Trump’s support and wants to be ahead of the game. Too bad we don’t have forward thinking like that in Washington.

Comments are closed.


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