Trump Shares Controversial Video Criticizing Netanyahu

President-elect Donald Trump has shared a controversial video featuring economist Jeffrey Sachs, who criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling him a “deep, dark son of a bitch” and accusing him of manipulating U.S. foreign policy to engage in “endless wars.” The video, originally from an interview with Tucker Carlson, was posted by Trump on Tuesday, sparking widespread scrutiny.

In the video, Sachs, a Columbia University professor, alleges that Netanyahu has pursued a strategy since 1995 to eliminate Hamas and Hezbollah by targeting their supporting governments in Iraq, Iran, and Syria. “He has gotten us into endless wars, and because of the power of all this in U.S. politics, he has gotten his way,” Sachs said, referring to the influence of pro-Israel lobbying groups.

Trump’s spokesperson, Steven Cheung, stated that the post was “clearly referencing Obama’s failed policies and the corrupt media,” but did not clarify whether Trump endorsed Sachs’ views on Netanyahu. The video has drawn criticism from social media users and political analysts, particularly given Trump’s historically pro-Israel stance and his past diplomatic support for Netanyahu.

The timing of the post is notable, as it comes amid ongoing diplomatic efforts by Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S. to broker a truce in Gaza, including the release of hostages. Trump has also been assembling a team of hardline supporters of Israel, including Florida Senator Marco Rubio, who opposes a Gaza ceasefire, and New York Representative Elise Stefanik, who has criticized the United Nations for its stance on Israel.

Trump and Netanyahu have had a complex relationship, marked by both cooperation and tension. During Trump’s first term, he recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights and supported the Abraham Accords. However, their relationship soured after Netanyahu congratulated President Joe Biden on his 2020 election victory, prompting Trump to publicly criticize the Israeli leader.

Sachs, who has faced criticism for promoting antisemitic conspiracy theories, told The Guardian that he hopes Trump’s post signals a shift in U.S. foreign policy. “I do very much hope that he frees U.S. foreign policy from the grip of the cruel, ineffective, illegal, and destructive policies of Netanyahu,” Sachs said.

The Israeli government has not yet responded to Trump’s post. Meanwhile, the conflict in Gaza continues, with roughly 100 hostages still held and over 45,000 Palestinians believed to have been killed since the war began.