Israel once more challenges Trump's 'peaceful man' Label, Counting on Militaristic Response towards Iran
Amid a series of international incidents, tensions escalated on Thursday as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a close ally of Donald Trump, launched a major military operation against Iran's nuclear program, a move that has set back Trump's goal of being a "peacemaker."
This operation came shortly after Russian President Vladimir Putin spurned Trump's appeals for a truce with Ukraine, and Israel resumed a massive offensive in Gaza, following a ceasefire that had been brokered by Trump at the conclusion of Joe Biden's term.
Steve Witkoff, a friend of Trump's and a roving envoy, who has been involved in the negotiations for all three crises, was expected to meet Iranian officials in Oman on Sunday. However, the operation took place despite Witkoff's prior scheduling of talks with Iran.
Trump distanced himself from the Israeli operation, but only to a limited extent, as some sources suggested that the public statements were aimed at taking Iran off guard. In response, Israel experienced some casualties, but the exact number remains unclear.
Before the operation, Trump cautioned that he didn't want Israel to engage in the attack, fearing that it would have severe consequences. Iran responded with missile and drone attacks, which resulted in further casualties.
Dana Stroul, a former Pentagon official and a senior fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, believes that the Israeli attack will disrupt, delay, and degrade Iran's nuclear program. However, the bigger question, according to her, is whether the U.S. and Israel will collaborate to maximize the time gained and find a sustainable solution to this complex issue.
There has been a growing divide between Israel and Trump as well. One clear example is Trump's support for the new Syrian leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa, despite Israel's concerns. Moreover, Trump's public remarks indicate that he believes a deal with Iran is close at hand and that there will be no "nuclear dust" in the region.
However, despite disagreements, Israel still enjoys strong support within Trump's right-wing base. The U.S. has taken a lonely stance in recent days, casting the only vote against a Gaza ceasefire resolution at the UN General Assembly and criticizing top allies for imposing sanctions on far-right Israeli ministers.
Justin Logan, director of defense and foreign policy at the libertarian Cato Institute, argues that the Israeli attack will destroy any U.S. diplomatic efforts on Iran and calls for Trump to reject any U.S. military role in protecting Israel from retaliation.
In these delicate situations, lawmakers within Trump's Republican Party have expressed unwavering support for Israel. On the other hand, Trump's Democratic rivals are concerned about the potential escalation and the implications for the ongoing negotiations with Iran. Democratic Senator Jack Reed called Israel's actions a "reckless escalation" that risks igniting a regional conflict.
In summary, the recent events have seen an escalation of conflict in the Middle East, with Israel targeting Iran's nuclear program, Iran retaliating, and key international allies adopting varying stances. The potential for negotiation remains, but the risk of a wider war continues to loom.
- Amid the escalating tensions, Russian President Vladimir Putin's decision to spurn Trump's appeals for a truce with Ukraine also took place, which further complicated the international landscape.
- The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, who is a close ally of Donald Trump, resumed a massive offensive in Gaza, a move that was brokered by Trump at the conclusion of Joe Biden's term.
- The United States, despite its concerns, has taken a lonely stance, criticizing top allies for imposing sanctions on far-right Israeli ministers and casting the only vote against a Gaza ceasefire resolution at the UN General Assembly.
- Dana Stroul, a former Pentagon official, believes that the Israeli attack will disrupt, delay, and degrade Iran's nuclear program, but the bigger question is whether the U.S. and Israel will collaborate to find a sustainable solution to this complex issue.
- Justin Logan, director of defense and foreign policy at the libertarian Cato Institute, argues that the Israeli attack will destroy any U.S. diplomatic efforts on Iran and calls for Trump to reject any U.S. military role in protecting Israel from retaliation.
