Trump: ‘Any Jewish person that votes for Democrats hates their religion’

Former President Trump on Tuesday claimed Democrats “hate Israel” and that Jewish voters who back Democrats hate their religion amid tensions between the Biden administration and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Trump, speaking with conservative radio host Sebastian Gorka, was asked why Democrats like Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) “hate” Netanyahu, a reference to Schumer’s recent call for new elections in Israel.

“I actually think they hate Israel,” Trump responded. “And the Democrat Party hates Israel.”

He suggested Schumer, who is Jewish, has become “very anti-Israel” for political reasons, citing large pro-Palestinian protests across the country amid violence in Gaza.

“Any Jewish person that votes for Democrats hates their religion, they hate everything about Israel, and they should be ashamed of themselves because Israel will be destroyed,” Trump said.

Trump has repeatedly positioned himself as deeply supportive of Israel, citing his recognition of the Golan Heights territory, his relocation of the U.S. Embassy to Jerusalem and his administration’s signing of the Abraham Accords to normalize relations among countries in the Middle East.

But he has also drawn backlash for frequently suggesting Jews who do not support him politically or who are not supportive of Israel are disloyal.

Trump in September shared an image on social media telling “liberal Jews” to “make better choices” amid celebrations of the Jewish New Year.

And in October, days after Hamas terrorist attacks that left more than 1,000 Israelis dead, Trump questioned how “anybody who loves Israel” could vote for Democrats.

President Biden has sought to balance his frustrations with Netanyahu and his administration’s support for Israel in its war against Hamas. The president has repeatedly asserted Israel has a right to defend itself after Hamas’s attacks last October, while simultaneously urging Israel to do more to protect civilians and allow aid into Gaza.

Schumer last week said the prime minister had “lost his way,” pointing to the political and legal battles he has faced recently, while also allowing that the off-and-on prime minister’s “highest priority is the security of Israel.”