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Trump courts Muslim voters with Lebanon peace pledge

The former U.S. president promises to halt “suffering” in Lebanon while criticizing Biden-Harris administration’s Middle East policy in bid for Muslim support.

Trump
Former President Donald Trump speaks at the Israeli-American Council annual summit in Washington on Sept. 19, 2024. Photo by Guy Sidi/Israeli-American Council.

In a strategic outreach to Arab and Muslim voters, former President Donald Trump has promised to restore stability in Lebanon and the Mideast, while criticizing the current administration’s regional policies during campaign stops targeting Muslim communities in Michigan.

Trump recently addressed Lebanese-Americans, stating: “Your friends and family in Lebanon deserve to live in peace, prosperity and harmony with their neighbors, and this can only happen when there is peace and stability in the Middle East.”

Taking to X, Trump launched a critique of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris: “During my administration, there was peace in the Middle East, and it will return very soon! We will fix the problems caused by Kamala Harris and Joe Biden and stop the suffering and destruction in Lebanon. I want to see the Middle East return to real peace, a lasting peace.”

The Trump campaign has intensified its outreach to Muslim voters in Michigan, capitalizing on growing dissatisfaction with the Biden administration’s support for Israel during the current conflict in Gaza.

During a Saturday campaign event in Novi, Mich., Trump shared his stage with prominent Muslim community leaders, telling supporters: “They can decide the election.”

In a significant endorsement, Imam Belal Al-Zuhairi praised Trump as “the peace candidate” and highlighted his pledge to “ending American involvement in endless wars.”

Originally published by Israel Hayom.

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“I think they’re much more susceptible to being targeted if a public official wants to target them, if a community wants to target them,” Rep. Josh Gottheimer told JNS.