KT McFarland, former Deputy National Security Adviser, expressed concerns about Israel’s security situation during an interview on Newsmax Thursday. She highlighted the challenges facing Israel after Iran’s recent attempted strike on the country.
McFarland outlined the dual security threats Israel currently faces: first, responding to Iran’s aggression following the missile and drone attacks originating from Iranian territory, and second, addressing ongoing tensions with Hamas in Gaza.
She emphasized the complexity of Israel’s position, torn between the imperative to defend itself against external threats and the need to maintain support from the Biden administration.
Despite her initial surprise at the swift assistance provided by the United States, along with other allies like the United Kingdom, France, Jordan, and even Saudi Arabia, McFarland noted President Biden’s subsequent cautionary message to Israel.
While acknowledging the importance of U.S. support for Israel’s defense capabilities, including intelligence sharing and military aid such as the Iron Dome, McFarland underscored the delicate balance Israel must strike in passing its response to aggression while seeking to retain American support.
Regarding expert testimony suggesting that Russia and Iran view Ukraine and Israel as testing grounds for probing Western military resolve, McFarland expressed alarm.
She warned that adversaries like Russia, China, and Iran are emboldened when they perceive weakness or indecisiveness in U.S. leadership. McFarland emphasized the risk of further aggression if these adversaries believe they can exploit perceived vulnerabilities without facing serious consequences.
McFarland’s analysis underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics at play in the Middle East and the broader implications for U.S. foreign policy. She emphasizes the importance of U.S. leadership in deterring aggression and maintaining stability in the face of rising tensions.