Former US President Donald Trump recently claimed that conflicts in the Middle East could escalate into a third World War if Kamala Harris wins the 2024 presidential election. He made these comments during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at his Mar-a-Lago resort.

Trump criticized Harris, saying she is “worse” on Middle East issues and suggested that Israel’s war with Hamas in Gaza could expand into a wider regional conflict if she becomes president. Trump stated, “If we win, it’ll be very simple. It’s all going to work out. And very quickly. If we don’t, you’re going to end up with major wars in the Middle East. And maybe a third World War.”

This meeting followed a reported diplomatic issue between Harris and Netanyahu. During their meeting in Washington, D.C., Harris expressed her serious concerns about the humanitarian situation in Gaza and criticized Israel’s conduct in the Gaza war. Netanyahu, who aims to eliminate Hamas, hopes for a cease-fire deal and mentioned that Israel is still pursuing one despite Harris’ comments.

This was the first face-to-face contact between Netanyahu and Trump since Trump left the White House in 2020. Their relationship had been strained when Netanyahu congratulated Biden on his victory that year, prompting Trump to express his frustration publicly.