In a wide-ranging interview on Hugh Hewitt's podcast, former President Donald Trump reaffirmed his commitment to Israel while emphasizing his record of achievements in the Middle East, including the Abraham Accords and the relocation of the US Embassy to Jerusalem.
"I'm the best friend that Israel ever had," Trump said during the conversation. He highlighted his administration's accomplishments, including the recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital and the construction of the US Embassy there. "I not only said we're going to, I said you know we got it built to have a beautiful Embassy," Trump said.
The former president, speaking with Hugh Hewitt, emphasized his role in establishing the Abraham Accords, describing them as one of several "major events" during his presidency that benefited Israel. "Every single thing, every major event that's happened to Israel over the last fairly short period of time has been given through me," Trump said.
Addressing current tensions in the region, Trump expressed his desire for peace while acknowledging the long-standing nature of the conflict. He also issued a stern warning regarding American hostages, stating there would be "hell to pay" if they are not released by the time he potentially returns to office.
When pressed by Hewitt about the specific meaning behind his warning, Trump elaborated with characteristic intensity: "If those hostages aren't released by the time I get into office, there will be hell to pay. I don't think I have to go into it... it won't be the word don't, you know. I heard the word don't you can add that into it, but that would just be a small part of it... those hostages have to get out. They have to get out now."
The interview touched on multiple aspects of Middle East policy, with Trump repeatedly emphasizing both his strong support for Israel and his commitment to achieving peace in the region, noting that the conflict has persisted "longer than people would understand."
He also said, "I have to add, I am also for peace, it's time, this fight has been going on for too long," noting that he was going to try to end the war between Hamas and Israel that began on Oct. 7, 2023, when thousands of Hamas terrorists massacred some 1200 Israeli residents and took more than 230 captive.
