Former national security adviser John Bolton criticized President Biden for exerting too much pressure on Israel to limit its response to Iran’s recent attack. Following the attack, Israel launched retaliatory strikes on Iran, which Bolton believed were insufficient.
“I think what Israel did, as far as it went, was fine,” Bolton stated on the “Cats & Cosby” radio show. “However, I believe they were under enormous pressure from the Biden administration not to do more, and I can understand that it’s a difficult position to be in.”
Bolton suggested that Israel should have taken a more assertive stance, as some members of Israel’s war Cabinet, including opposition leader Benny Gantz, reportedly advocated for a more decisive response. “I think Iran was fortunate here,” Bolton added.
President Joe Biden (Credits: thesun.my)
Despite Israeli officials’ initial threats of a robust response, the actual response was relatively restrained. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had pledged that Israel would “do whatever is necessary to defend itself,” but the subsequent action was calibrated to avoid escalating the conflict further.
Analysts believe the limited response aimed to restore deterrence and discourage future Iranian attacks while allowing Iran a way out without requiring a response.
John Bolton (Credits: John Bolton)
Iran’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, questioned Israel’s role in the incident and emphasized that while Iran would not retaliate this time, they would take action if Israel strikes again.
Bolton’s criticism of the Biden administration’s pressure on Israel reflects his hawkish stance on Iran and his belief that a stronger response was necessary to deter future aggression. The incident highlights the complex geopolitical dynamics in the region and the challenges of balancing deterrence with de-escalation.
