Donald Trump issued a stern warning, saying the US is on the brink of World War III and that with Vice President Kamala Harris at the helm, it is on a disastrous path. The former president's comments came just hours after Israel carried out a series of preemptive air strikes on Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon, significantly escalating tensions in the region.
On Truth Social, Trump questioned the Biden administration's handling of the situation in the Middle East, criticizing both President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris. “Who is negotiating for us in the Middle East? Bombs are falling everywhere!” he wrote. He went on to slam Biden, saying, “Sleepy Joe was brutally kicked out of the Democratic Party and is sleeping on a beach in California while Comrade Kamala is on a campaign bus tour with Tampon Tim, her truly terrible pick for vice president. Please don't start World War III, we're heading there!”
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the strikes were a defensive measure to stop Hezbollah from firing rockets and missiles at Tel Aviv. “We have neutralised thousands of rocket launchers at more than 40 locations,” IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari said in a statement. In retaliation, Hezbollah fired hundreds of Katyusha rockets and drones, further escalating the conflict.
Hezbollah dismissed the Israeli allegations as “baseless” and launched a counterattack, which it called the “first phase of a counterattack.” Hezbollah hailed the attack as a “complete success,” according to a CNN report.
Trump's warnings of looming global conflict are nothing new. Just a few days ago, he declared, “There is no future with Comrade Kamala Harris because she is leading us into Nuclear War III!” Trump has reportedly mentioned the possibility of World War III on social media at least 32 times since 2013.
Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces reported that about 100 Israeli Air Force fighter jets attacked and destroyed thousands of Hezbollah rocket launchers aimed at northern and central Israel. “We will do whatever is necessary to defend the State of Israel and its civilians,” the Israel Defense Forces said in a statement, stressing its determination to protect its civilians and the State of Israel.
As the situation worsens, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant has declared a state of emergency for the next 48 hours, authorizing the IDF's Civil War Command to issue restrictions and take any measures necessary to protect civilians.
IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari warned Lebanese citizens in southern Lebanon of an imminent Israeli attack at a press conference. “We warn the Lebanese people in southern Lebanon. We are aware that Hezbollah is now preparing to launch widespread artillery attacks on Israeli territory close to your homes. You are at risk. We will strike and eliminate the Hezbollah threat. Anyone near areas where Hezbollah is active is asked to leave them immediately,” Hagari said.
With tensions at a fever pitch, Israelis are on heightened alert for further escalation as both sides continue to exchange heavy artillery fire. The IDF has called on civilians to follow “life-saving” instructions from the Home Front Command, which are regularly updated as the situation evolves.
