In a recent interview with CNN’s Kaitlan Collins, former Vice President Mike Pence openly criticized former President Donald Trump’s recent statements regarding Israel, expressing his disagreement with Trump’s attacks on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his praise for Hezbollah. Pence also lauded President Joe Biden’s expressions of support for Israel during the ongoing conflict with Hamas.
Collins referenced a recent comment from Trump, where he recounted an alleged instance when Israel did not participate in a joint military action, causing frustration for Trump. In response, Pence clarified that Israel did indeed play a role in the military action Trump referred to, emphasizing the need for unified support for Israel and denouncing any criticism of Netanyahu as “reckless and irresponsible” during the current crisis.
Pence acknowledged that Trump has had his differences with Netanyahu, but stressed that such disputes are inappropriate amid the ongoing conflict. He highlighted the importance of standing with Israel and Netanyahu, particularly as they face challenging days ahead. Pence expressed satisfaction with President Biden’s statements in support of Israel, urging a continued united stance with Israel throughout the conflict with Hamas.
Reiterating the need for the United States to unequivocally support Israel’s efforts to combat Hamas, Pence emphasized the gravity of the situation and the necessity for a strong, unified front against the terrorist organization. He underscored the need for unwavering solidarity with Israel as it confronts the difficult task of neutralizing the threat posed by Hamas.
COLLINS: This is what former President Trump said about that the other night.
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DONALD TRUMP, 45TH U.S. PRESIDENT: I did have a bad experience with Israel, though. When we took out Soleimani, it was us and Israel, working as a group.
And the night before it happened, I got a call, that Israel will not be participating, in this attack.
I’ll never forget that Bibi Netanyahu let us down. That was a very terrible thing. I will say that.
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COLLINS: Is that how you remember it? Didn’t Israel help coordinate that?
PENCE: Israel did play a role in that.
But I also remember the former President’s frustration, at the time.
But look, all of this is out of place, in this moment. And it’s reckless and irresponsible for President — former President Trump, or any American leader, to send any message, other than full and unconditional support to Israel.
And taking this moment to criticize the Prime Minister of Israel is just, it’s reckless and irresponsible.
COLLINS: But is what he’s saying?
PENCE: And I’ve said so.
COLLINS: Is what he’s saying inaccurate there?
PENCE: Look, there was intelligence that was shared around that. I thought it was an extraordinary accomplishment, of our Military, to take down the most dangerous terrorist, in the world, Qasem Soleimani.
But look, the President’s had his differences.
COLLINS: And Israel helped?
PENCE: The former President’s had his differences, with Prime Minister Netanyahu, including, after we left office, where he has been harshly critical of him. He’s entitled to his opinions about it.
I will tell you, Prime Minister Netanyahu has been my friend, for many years.
But whatever differences that there are, whatever arguments there are, over the past, they’re out of place, in this moment. We ought to be speaking with one voice that we stand with the people of Israel, we stand behind Prime Minister Netanyahu, because there are very difficult days ahead.
I was pleased — I was pleased to see President Biden say the United States stands with Israel. But the challenge is going to be standing with Israel, when the next phase of this war begins, because it’s going to be difficult. It’s going to be heartbreaking. There are going to be tragic losses.
But I say, again, after that barbaric and horrific attack, on men, women and children, by Hamas, overtaking towns, in their murderous rampage, I believe Israel has no choice, but to move forward —
COLLINS: Yes.
PENCE: — to hunt down and crush Hamas. And the United States of America has to make it clear we will stand with them, until the fighting is done.
