During the first presidential debate between former U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris in Philadelphia, sharp exchanges were made on critical foreign policy issues. Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, claimed that the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza would not have occurred under his administration, suggesting that Israel’s future is at risk if Harris wins the presidency.
“She hates Israel. If she is president, I believe Israel will not exist in two years from now,” Trump stated, accusing Harris of harboring negative views toward the Jewish state. He further alleged that Harris had animosity toward the Arab population, contrasting the relative stability of the Middle East during his tenure with the current state of affairs.
Trump also claimed that Iran was economically crippled under his administration but has since amassed $300 billion due to lifted sanctions, which he suggested has fueled support for Hamas and Hezbollah. He added that he could swiftly resolve the current situation if elected, saying, “I would get that settled, and fast.”
Harris rejected Trump’s assertions, emphasizing Israel’s right to defend itself and calling for an immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages. She accused Trump of using divisive rhetoric to distract from the complexities of the situation.
“Israel has a right to defend itself,” Harris affirmed. “This war must end immediately, and we need a ceasefire deal.”
In a direct rebuttal, Harris took aim at Trump’s foreign policy record, alleging his admiration for authoritarian figures. “It is well known that he admires dictators and wants to be one himself,” she said, referencing conversations with military leaders who criticized Trump’s conduct.
Trump, in response, defended his rapport with international leaders, citing Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán, who reportedly praised Trump as “the most respected, most feared person.”
On the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, Trump reiterated his belief that he could end the war swiftly if re-elected. “I want the war to stop… people are being killed by the millions,” he said. Trump criticized the current administration’s handling of NATO and expressed confidence in his ability to negotiate peace.
“I will get it settled even before I become president,” Trump stated, emphasizing the importance of ending the destruction of human lives in the conflict.
This 90-minute debate, hosted by ABC News, marked the first direct confrontation between Trump and Harris following President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the presidential race in July. The vice-presidential debate between JD Vance and Tim Walz is scheduled for October 1, to be aired by CBS News.
