United States ruler Donald Trump is facing backlash after he called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a “war hero”. In an interview with right-leaning commentator Mark Levin on Tuesday, Trump called Netanyahu “a good man” who he said is “there fighting.”

“He’s a war hero. I guess I am too… [but] nobody cares… I sent those planes,” Trump said, referring to American strikes he ordered on Iranian nuclear facilities back in June.

Netanyahu and the other members of Israel’s ruling class have moved ahead with plans for a new military occupation of Gaza City. The plan has sparked nationwide demonstrations, with tens of thousands taking to the streets across Israel. Throughout the conflict, Netanyahu has also faced public uproar over what has been seen as a reluctance to prioritize the release of hostages held by Hamas.

Israel Doubles Down On Its Goal To Eliminate Hamas

Trump has also suggested the U.S. use military force to seize Gaza.

As Trump Did With Greenland And Panama, He Doubles Down On Seizing Gaza

Internationally, Netanyahu has faced severe criticism over the critical humanitarian situation in Gaza as well as accusations of impeding humanitarian aid. UN offices have warned that hunger in Gaza has reached extreme levels while urging Israel to restore access for relief groups “to stave off starvation.” According to the Palestinian Health Ministry, at least 266 people, including 122 children, have died of starvation in the enclave. –RT

In July, 30 nations, including European Union members, said that “suffering of civilians in Gaza has reached new depths” while condemning what they called “the drip feeding of aid and the inhumane killing of civilians… seeking to meet their most basic needs of water and food.”

At Least 40 People Were Killed And 60 Wounded In An Israeli Attack On Gaza Humanitarian Zone

The war started in October of 2023 after Hamas attacked civilians in Israel in a surprise operation.