FILE PHOTO: Donald Trump, former U.S. president and Republican presidential candidate, looks on at the Club 47 USA event in West Palm Beach, Florida, U.S., October 11, 2023.  REUTERS/Marco Bello/File Photo
Israel

White House decries Trump's Hezbollah remarks

Former U.S. President Donald Trump's comments calling Hezbollah "smart" and criticizing Israel's defense minister were "dangerous and unhinged," White House spokesman Andrew Bates said on Thursday.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Former U.S. President Donald Trump's comments calling Hezbollah "smart" and criticizing Israel's defense minister were "dangerous and unhinged," White House spokesman Andrew Bates said on Thursday.

"Statements like this are dangerous and unhinged. It’s completely lost on us why any American would ever praise an Iran-backed terrorist organization as 'smart,'" Bates said.

Trump, who is seeking to run against President Joe Biden in the 2024 election, in comments to supporters in Florida Wednesday night, said Hezbollah was "very smart" and called Defense Minister Yoav Gallant "a jerk."

(Reporting by Jeff Mason; writing by Susan Heavey; Editing by Doina Chiacu)

Also Read

Pope Leo names French archbishop to lead Vatican abuse commission

Lula hints at 2026 run, eyes historic fourth presidential term

BRICS leaders meet in Rio, push to reform Western institutions

Trump signs sweeping tax, spending cuts at Fourth of July event

Deadly Texas floods sweep away campers, children still missing