Former Vice President Mike Pence has placed the blame for the recent Hamas attack on Israel squarely on the shoulders of his former boss, President Donald Trump. Pence, a long-shot GOP presidential contender, accused Trump and other Republican opponents of “signaling retreat” from America’s role as the leader of the free world. This accusation comes in the wake of the worst attack on Israel in 50 years, which has left hundreds dead and thousands wounded.

During an interview with CNN, Pence did not mince words when expressing his disappointment with Trump and other Republican rivals. He stated that their actions and rhetoric had emboldened the enemies of freedom, including Hamas, to launch a devastating attack on Israel. Pence argued that the weakness of President Biden had also played a role in this situation, but he reserved his harshest criticism for his former boss and fellow Republicans.

This is what happens when we have leading voices like Donald Trump, Vivek Ramaswamy, and Ron DeSantis signaling retreat from America’s role as leader of the free world. When I’m President of the United States, we’ll lead from American Strength. pic.twitter.com/gW3HaN4fIp

— Mike Pence (@Mike_Pence) October 8, 2023

Pence’s accusations revolve around the idea that Trump and his allies have signaled a retreat from America’s leadership position in the world. He specifically pointed to the events in Ukraine, where Russia launched an unprovoked invasion, and the recent attack by Hamas on Israel. According to Pence, these incidents highlight the need for America to stand without apology as the leader of the free world and the arsenal of democracy.

To fully understand the gravity of the situation, it is important to examine the context in which the attack took place. The conflict between Israel and Hamas has a long and complex history, with tensions escalating over the years. In 2005, Israel unilaterally withdrew from the Gaza Strip, which led to Hamas winning a Palestinian legislative election in 2006. In 2007, Hamas seized control of Gaza in a civil war.

The attack itself occurred in 2023 and is considered the worst attack on Israel in 50 years. Hamas launched thousands of rockets and sent dozens of militants into Israeli towns. The Israeli Defense Forces responded with a military offensive, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel was at war. The attack resulted in hundreds of Israeli casualties and thousands of Palestinian casualties. The situation remains volatile, with both sides engaged in a fierce battle.

In addition to blaming President Trump, Pence also criticized Biden for his actions and policies. He specifically pointed to Biden’s hasty withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan and his negotiations with Iran as contributing factors to the attack. Pence argued that these actions had set the conditions for Hamas to carry out its terrorist attack against Israel.

Pence’s critique of Biden’s foreign policy decisions echoes the sentiments of many Republicans who believe that the current administration’s approach has weakened America’s position on the world stage. They argue that Biden’s withdrawal from Afghanistan and his willingness to negotiate with Iran have emboldened America’s enemies and put its allies at risk.

Not one to shy away from controversy, former President Trump responded to the accusations leveled against him by Pence. Trump claimed that Hamas would have never attacked Israel if he were still in office, stating that there was “zero chance” of such an attack occurring under his leadership. He reiterated this sentiment at a rally in Iowa, declaring that Hamas did not show the same level of aggression during his presidency.

Trump’s response highlights the ongoing tension between him and his former vice president. The two have had a complex relationship since leaving office, with Pence facing criticism from Trump supporters for certifying the 2020 election results. Trump’s assertion that the attack on Israel would not have happened under his watch adds fuel to the fire of their strained relationship.

The accusations made by Mike Pence against President Trump and other Republicans carry significant political implications. As a potential GOP presidential contender, Pence is positioning himself as a critic of Trump and his allies. By distancing himself from the former president and aligning himself with more traditional Republican values, Pence is seeking to appeal to a broader base of voters.

Pence’s critique of Trump also reflects a larger divide within the Republican Party. There are those who remain loyal to Trump and his policies, and there are those who believe that the party needs to move in a different direction.