Trump's October 7 comments: 'If I were president...'

Republican US presidential candidate Donald Trump made statements regarding the Al-Aqsa Flood Operation launched by Hamas on October 7 last year during an event at his golf club in the US state of Florida.

Arguing that Hamas took advantage of the weakness of the US President Joe Biden and US Vice President Kamala Harris administration, Trump said, "The last few years have proven that weakness only begets violence and war." Describing October 7 as a "horrific historical moment," Trump stated, "It was as if the gates of hell had opened and unleashed their terror upon the world. We never thought we would see this. And a large part of this has to do with the leadership of this country."

HE CLAIMED ANTISEMITISM HAS INCREASED

Arguing that antisemitism has increased since October 7, Trump said, "What is as shocking as October 7 itself is the explosion of antisemitism we have seen immediately after." Claiming that anti-Jewish hatred has "engulfed the ranks of the Democratic Party in particular," Trump said, "This terrible disease has not infected the Republican Party. And as long as I am in office, it will not."

'WE NEED TO WIN THE ELECTION FIRST'

Stating that if he had been in office last year, the developments in the Middle East would never have occurred, Trump said, "If I were president, the October 7 attack would never have happened." Promising full support to Israel if he is re-elected president, Trump said, "When I am president, the US will be strong once again and closer to (Israel) than ever before. But we need to win the election."

TRUMP: 'I WILL SUPPORT ISRAEL TO WIN THE WAR'

Stating that what is needed is unwavering US leadership, Trump said that a new and more harmonious Middle East is near. "I will not allow the Jewish state to be threatened with destruction. I will not allow the Jewish people to be subjected to another Holocaust," said Trump, adding, "I will not allow a jihad to be launched against America or our allies, and I will support Israel to win the war."