Coverage dated October 11, 2023

Trump praises Hezbollah as ‘very smart’ and criticizes Netanyahu amid Israel war

Headline from Anchorage Daily News

The remark drew condemnation from one of his Republican rivals, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.

Anchorage Daily News's own description from its feed. We collect headlines and these descriptions, not full articles; read the original reporting below.

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Reports & sources

11 articles, oldest first.

The New Republic
Donald Trump Praises Hezbollah, Criticizes Israeli Government in Wake of Attacks (opens The New Republic)
Published Oct 11, 2023
The New Republic's feed description
The former president called the Lebanese militant group “very smart” on Wednesday.
Forbes
DeSantis Rips Trump’s ‘Absurd’ Criticism Of Israel After Ex-President Calls Hezbollah ‘Very Smart’ (opens Forbes)
Published Oct 11, 2023
Forbes's feed description
Trump told his supporters in West Palm Beach that the attack never would have happened if he were president.
Anchorage Daily News
Trump praises Hezbollah as ‘very smart’ and criticizes Netanyahu amid Israel war (opens Anchorage Daily News)
Published Oct 11, 2023
Anchorage Daily News's feed description
The remark drew condemnation from one of his Republican rivals, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis.
Washington Examiner
Israel war: DeSantis slams Trump for saying Hezbollah is 'very smart' (opens Washington Examiner)
Published Oct 11, 2023
Washington Examiner's feed description
Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) took a swing at former President Donald Trump's comments that appeared to praise Hezbollah and criticize Israel.
Insider
It took Trump calling Hezbollah 'very smart' for Ron DeSantis to finally glove up and go after him (opens Insider)
Published Oct 11, 2023
Insider's feed description
DeSantis wrote on X that it was absurd that Trump would "attack our friend and ally, Israel, much less praise Hezbollah terrorists as 'very smart.'"
NBC News
Ron DeSantis condemns Trump for calling Hezbollah 'very smart' amid Israel-Hamas war (opens NBC News)
Published Oct 11, 2023
NBC News's feed description
The Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, which has historically been funded by Iran, has been exchanging fire across the border with Israel since Hamas' attack last weekend.
The Daily Dot
'Hell must be freezing over': Unlikely allies join DeSantis in condemning Trump for calling Hezbollah 'very smart' (opens The Daily Dot)
Published Oct 11, 2023
The Daily Dot's feed description
Ron DeSantis criticized Donald Trump for calling Hezbollah 'very smart,' compelling unlikely allies to voice their agreement.
The Federalist
If You Think Trump Is Pro-Hezbollah, You're Too Stupid For Words (opens The Federalist)
Published Oct 11, 2023
The Federalist's feed description
The man who ushered peace into the Middle East by signing the Abraham Accords never praised Hezbollah terrorists.
Fox News
DeSantis slams Trump for 'attack' on Netanyahu, calling terror group 'smart' (opens Fox News)
Published Oct 11, 2023
Fox News's feed description
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis ripped former President Trump for calling Hezbollah "smart" and criticizing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Newsweek
Donald Trump calling Hezbollah "smart" sparks backlash (opens Newsweek)
Published Oct 11, 2023
Newsweek's feed description
The former president made the remarks about the Lebanese militant group after it launched a rocket attack against Israel.
Al-Monitor
Biden slams Trump for calling Hezbollah 'smart' (opens Al-Monitor)
Published Oct 11, 2023
Al-Monitor's feed description
US President Joe Biden condemned Donald Trump on Thursday for describing Hezbollah as "very smart" even as the Lebanese militant group exchanges fire with Israel following the Hamas attack on the US ally.