The Israel-Hamas war|The reactions

Trump: Risks World War III if Harris wins

It was a radiantly happy Donald Trump who received Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at his Mar-a-Lago residence in Florida, AP writes. It was their first meeting since Trump left the White House.

When Trump ruled the country, they were close allies, but afterwards the relationship became frosty, including after Netanyahu quickly congratulated Joe Biden on his election victory in 2020. "Fuck him," was Trump's response that time.

Now the Republican was asked if they need to work on their relationship again.

- We don't need that, we've had a good relationship, Trump replied.

During the meeting, he also warned that the unrest in the Middle East could develop into a third world war if Kamala Harris wins the election, according to Fox News.

The meeting comes a day after Trump said in an interview with Fox that Israel must end the war "quickly". The play could create tension between them, AP notes. But Trump did not present a plan for how to end the war, nor did he address it during the meeting, according to the New York Times.

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Sources: Netanyahu upset after Harris' critical outburst

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is outraged by the comments that Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris made to journalists after their joint meeting yesterday. This is stated by two Israeli sources for Axios.

- Harris's statement after the meeting was much more critical than what she said to Netanyahu during the meeting, says one of them.

The informants also describe the meeting between Netanyahu and Harris as strained.

In her statement afterwards, Harris said the situation in Gaza is "devastating" and she criticized the killing of civilians. She also urged Netanyahu to agree to a deal to end the war. However, the Israeli prime minister has been clear that he intends to continue the war against Hamas even after a possible hostage agreement.

The White House dismisses the criticism. One of Harris' associates says the meeting was "serious and collegial" and that Harris and Biden put forward the same views. 

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Harris on the Gaza war: "I will not be silent"

Kamala Harris signaled changes in US policy in Gaza after she and Joe Biden met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington on Thursday, AFP news agency reports.

- What has happened in Gaza in the last nine months is devastating, Kamala Harris told reporters.

- We cannot look away from these tragedies. We cannot allow ourselves to be numbed by suffering and I will not be silent, she added.

She also called for a Palestinian state and urged Netanyahu and Hamas to agree on a ceasefire and to release the hostages.

In the past, Kamala Harris has been more outspoken than Joe Biden about the war in Gaza and it is speculated that she would have a tougher stance towards Israel.