Former US National Security Advisor John Bolton has called on Israel to take a more assertive stance against Iran’s nuclear program, following a barrage of missile and drone attacks from Iran. Bolton’s recent statements underscore a growing sense of urgency among some policy advisors regarding the perceived threat posed by Iran’s nuclear advancements.
In a bold declaration, Bolton stated, “I think Israel has a wide range of potential targets starting by flattening Iran’s air defense capabilities.” He further emphasized, “Most importantly, I think Israel should be looking at this as an opportunity to destroy Iran’s nuclear weapons program, which is the existential threat that Israel faces.”
This assertive rhetoric comes in the aftermath of significant missile and drone attacks launched by Iran against Israel, which were effectively countered by Israeli defense systems such as the Iron Dome, with only minor damage reported. Despite the apparent success in mitigating the attacks, the strikes have raised concerns over the effectiveness of diplomatic efforts and the need for a more robust military strategy in the Middle East.
Bolton, noted for his hawkish foreign policy views, has criticized the deterrence strategy of both Israel and the United States, labeling it a “massive failure” after the Iranian attacks. He argued for a forceful response that goes beyond proportionate retaliation to reestablish deterrence, stating, “I think that means by definition, Israel’s response — and there should be a response — should not be proportionate,It should be far stronger .”
His perspective offers a stark contrast to the current Biden administration’s approach, with White House national security communications advisor John Kirby affirming President Joe Biden’s stance of not engaging in a wider war with Iran. “I’m certainly not going to get ahead of their decision-making,” Kirby said regarding Israel’s potential response, while reassuring that the US support for Israel’s self-defense “will stay ironclad.”
The European Union and several Middle Eastern nations have called for both parties to avoid further escalation and work towards regional stability. Iran’s Foreign Minister, Hossein Amir Abdollahian, stated that the country does not intend to continue its defensive operations, barring new aggression.
Bolton’s commentary adds to the complexity of the situation, potentially influencing the ongoing discourse in Washington where opinions diverge. Some Republicans, echoing Bolton’s sentiments, are urging for decisive action against Iran, with GOP Sen. Marsha Blackburn advocating for “aggressive retaliatory strikes” and Rep. Mike Lawler emphasizing the need to “work with the Israelis to take out Iran’s nuclear capabilities.”
Relevant articles:
– Former Trump advisor Bolton: Opportunity for Israel to destroy Iran nuclear program
– John Bolton calls for a ‘far stronger’ response from Israel after Iran’s missile and drone attack, Business Insider, Sun, 14 Apr 2024 18:25:00 GMT
– John Bolton calls for a ‘far stronger’ response from Israel after Iran’s missile and drone attack, Yahoo Singapore News, Sat, 13 Apr 2024 01:31:00 GMT
– Biden Tells Netanyahu: U.S. Won’t Support Retaliatory Strike on Iran. But Some Republicans Want One., Rolling Stone, Sun, 14 Apr 2024 15:40:01 GMT