Trump Blames Anti-Israel Sentiment for Republican Election Losses

Former U.S. President Donald Trump stated that Republicans partially lost the midterm elections due to what he described as "intense hatred for Israel" in the United States. He agreed with his former Vice President J.D. Vance's assessment that the administration's relationship with Israel impacted the party's popularity. Trump made these remarks during a CBS "60 Minutes" interview on Monday evening, where he also discussed the war on Iran and relations with Israel, identifying anti-Israel stances as a contributing factor to Republican losses.

Vance had previously cited the war on Iran, the cost of living, and the administration's positions on Israel as key reasons for Trump supporters distancing themselves from the party and voting for Democrats. Trump defended his decision to join Israel in attacking Iranian targets, suggesting he could have focused solely on nuclear facilities but that others desired broader strikes. He asserted that his negotiation experience helped him manage the confrontation with Tehran, likening it to closing a deal.

Trump claimed Israel would not exist without his decision to attack Iranian nuclear facilities, referencing the deployment of B-2 bombers to strike three sites simultaneously. He also stated that countries allied with the U.S. against Iran would bear 100% of the defense costs. The former president declared the war on Iran effectively over, asserting U.S. victory and that Tehran would not acquire nuclear weapons, dismissing the need for further escalation. He cited 18 U.S. service member deaths during seven months of fighting, including casualties in Venezuela, comparing this to U.S. losses in the Korean and Vietnam Wars.

Regarding Israeli politics, Trump commented that Gadi Eisenkot, leader of the Yisrael Beiteinu party, holds positions similar to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, suggesting both admire each other's actions. This followed Eisenkot's statements on his policies. Vance had reiterated that the war on Iran was a primary reason for Republican losses, citing a party supporter poll indicating that ending the war, improving living conditions, prioritizing American interests, and re-evaluating the relationship with Israel were their main demands. Donald Trump Jr. reposted Vance's statements on X, adding "Every word."

Trump was scheduled to meet with the Qatari Prime Minister at the White House on Monday evening amid diplomatic efforts related to regional developments and the war on Iran.