Former President Donald Trump warned Friday that conflicts in the Middle East could escalate into a third World War if he loses the 2024 election.
Trump made the remarks during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida.
Trump criticized Vice President Kamala Harris, claiming that her policies could worsen the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and potentially lead to a broader regional war. “We’ll see how it goes. But if it all works out, it’ll be straightforward if we win. It’s all going to work out. And very quickly,” Trump said. “If we don’t, you’re going to end up with major wars in the Middle East. And maybe a third World War.”
The former president’s comments came after a reportedly tense interaction between Harris and Netanyahu. Harris had expressed strong concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza and criticized Israel’s conduct in the conflict, which allegedly upset Netanyahu. The Israeli Prime Minister emphasized that Israel is seeking a cease-fire but stressed that fighting must continue until Hamas is eliminated.
In response to Harris’ statements, Netanyahu said, “We’re trying to get one [a cease-fire]. And I hope that those comments don’t change that.”
Trump and Netanyahu’s meeting marked the first face-to-face encounter since Trump left office in 2020 when their relationship soured after Netanyahu’s early congratulations to President Joe Biden. During the Mar-a-Lago visit, Netanyahu presented Trump with a photograph of a child held captive by Hamas, which Trump described as “very moving.”
Protests against Netanyahu’s visit and the broader conflict in Gaza erupted in Florida and Washington, D.C., with demonstrators voicing strong opposition and displaying anti-Semitic rhetoric. In his address to Congress earlier this week, Netanyahu condemned the protesters and accused Iran of funding the demonstrations.
The ongoing war in Gaza began after Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in significant casualties and hostage-taking, including eight Americans.
