What's happened
During a speech to the Republican Jewish Coalition, Donald Trump asserted that Israel would cease to exist if Kamala Harris wins the presidency. His remarks, which included derogatory comments about Jewish voters supporting Democrats, sparked both support and backlash. The Harris campaign emphasized its commitment to Israel amid ongoing conflict with Hamas.
Why it matters
What the papers say
According to The Independent, Trump claimed, "If they win, Israel is gone," during his speech, suggesting dire consequences for Israel under a Harris presidency. In contrast, the Harris campaign responded by highlighting Trump's history of antisemitic remarks, stating he has "openly demeans Jewish Americans" (Josh Marcus, The Independent). Al Jazeera reported that Trump accused Harris of abandoning Israel, while emphasizing his own record of support for the country. Meanwhile, Vice Presidential candidate Tim Walz acknowledged the humanitarian concerns in Gaza, indicating a nuanced approach from the Harris campaign (Eric Garcia, The Independent).
How we got here
The comments come amid heightened tensions following the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, which has led to significant casualties and hostage situations. Trump's remarks reflect ongoing political divisions regarding U.S. support for Israel and the handling of the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Common question
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What Did Trump Say About Kamala Harris and Israel?
Donald Trump's recent comments regarding Kamala Harris and Israel have ignited a firestorm of debate. His assertion that Israel would cease to exist if Harris were to win the presidency has raised eyebrows and sparked discussions about the implications for U.S.-Israel relations. Below, we explore the reactions to Trump's statements and what they mean for the political landscape.
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What Did Trump Say About Israel and Jewish Voters?
Donald Trump's recent remarks regarding Israel and Jewish voters have stirred significant controversy. During a speech to the Republican Jewish Coalition, he made bold claims about the future of Israel under a potential Kamala Harris presidency. This has raised questions about the implications for Jewish voters and the upcoming election. Here are some key questions and answers to help you understand the situation better.
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What Are the Political Reactions to Trump's Comments on Israel?
Donald Trump's recent remarks about Israel and Kamala Harris have ignited a firestorm of political reactions. As tensions rise in the Middle East, many are left wondering how these comments will impact U.S.-Israel relations and the broader political landscape. Below, we explore the implications of Trump's speech and the responses from various political figures.
More on these topics
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Kamala Devi Harris is an American attorney and politician who has served as the junior United States Senator from California since 2017.
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Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
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Donald John Trump is an American politician, media personality, and businessman who served as the 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
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Jews or Jewish people are an ethnoreligious group and a nation originating from the Israelites and Hebrews of historical Israel and Judah.
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Hamas is a Palestinian Sunni-Islamic fundamentalist militant organization. It has a social service wing, Dawah, and a military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades.
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The Gaza Strip, or simply Gaza, is a self-governing Palestinian territory on the eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, that borders Egypt on the southwest for 11 kilometers and Israel on the east and north along a 51 km border.