Former US President Donald Trump made controversial remarks at two Jewish community events on Thursday, September 19, 2024.
Speaking at a Fighting Antisemitism conference, Trump warned that if he loses the upcoming election, “the Jewish people would have a lot to do with a loss.” He added, “I really haven’t been treated right, but you haven’t been treated right, because you’re putting yourself in great danger.”
At a second event hosted by the Israeli American Council (IAC), Trump intensified his rhetoric, claiming that Israel would be “annihilated within two years” if Kamala Harris becomes president. He warned that if Harris wins, Iran would acquire nuclear weapons, and “terrorist death squads will conduct constant raids into Israeli territory from all sides… Tel Aviv and Jerusalem will become unlivable war zones.”
Trump urged the audience to defeat Harris, claiming, “You have to defeat Kamala Harris more than any other people on Earth. Israel, I believe, has to defeat her,” and added, “She makes Barack Obama look like he loved Israel by comparison.”
Despite the backlash, Miriam Adelson, a major Trump donor, praised him for his unwavering support of Israel and the Jewish community, calling him a leader who has “helped craft Jewish faith and preserve Jewish continuity.”
The Middle East is on the brink of a wider conflict as tensions between Israel and Hezbollah intensify.
On Friday, September 20, 2024, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that around 130 rockets had been fired into northern Israel from southern Lebanon by Hezbollah fighters. The attacks sparked wildfires near Safed and Kibbutz Ortal in the Golan Heights, prompting Israel to respond with airstrikes targeting Hezbollah positions. Notably, Hezbollah claimed responsibility for bombarding Israel’s Northern Command air defense base and other military targets with Katyusha rockets.
In Lebanon, Health Minister Firass Abiad reported that about 3,000 people were treated for injuries following a series of explosions earlier in the week involving devices hidden in pagers and walkie-talkies. The explosions, described as “audacious” by local officials, occurred in public areas. The minister noted that while some patients were transferred to Syria and Iran for treatment, 98% of the injured were cared for by Lebanese doctors. Youssef Bakhash, president of the Lebanese Medical Association, stated that recovery for many of the injured, particularly those with hand injuries, could take up to a year.
Meanwhile, Israeli President Isaac Herzog reiterated Israel’s right to security by addressing the unfolding situation. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Herzog stated: “We did not want this war… But we are entitled to the most basic rights of any nation to live like any other people, in peace, security, and tranquility, and to bring our sons and daughters back home.” His comments came amid Israel’s airstrikes on southern Lebanon, particularly in the Bint Jbeil district.
Simultaneously, Israel continues its military operations in Gaza, where airstrikes have claimed multiple lives. On Thursday, September 19, officials reported six casualties in a strike on Gaza City, with additional deaths, including children, from attacks on other areas in northern Gaza.
