Fred Fleitz, a former National Security Council chief of staff under President Donald Trump, expressed strong disapproval on Newsmax regarding the Biden administration’s stance towards Israel despite its conflict, including its communications with Iran cautioning against retaliation for Israel’s airstrikes in Damascus, Syria. Fleitz criticized the administration for distancing itself from Israel during a critical time of conflict, labeling the approach as cowardly.
The administration’s effort to dissuade Iran from targeting American interests was revealed following a Bloomberg report about Iran’s warning to the U.S. to avoid falling into a trap set by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Iran’s caution came after an attack in Damascus that resulted in the deaths of several officers from Iran’s Quds Forces, an elite unit of the Revolutionary Guards.
Retired U.S. Army Colonel Wes Martin, during the same discussion, pointed out Iran’s involvement in the Hamas seizure of hostages, suggesting the act was intended to provoke a response from Netanyahu and attract media criticism.
Martin speculated any retaliation from Iran would likely be indirect, utilizing proxies rather than a direct confrontation with Israel, which he believes would be disadvantageous for Iran against Israel’s military capabilities.
Both commentators agreed that Israel’s actions, specifically the strike in Damascus targeting terrorists, were justified. Martin anticipated retaliatory actions would be limited to attempts like assassinations or bombings carried out through intermediaries rather than direct military engagement.