– John Bolton called for a “far stronger” response from Israel against Iran after Iran launched retaliatory strikes
– Bolton suggested Israel should not have a proportionate response and should aim to reestablish deterrence in a major way
– President Joe Biden does not want to engage in a wider conflict with Iran and supports Israel’s self-defense efforts
Former national security advisor John Bolton is calling for a stronger response from Israel against Iran following a missile and drone attack launched by Iran toward the country. Bolton criticized the lack of deterrence strategy in place and emphasized the need for Israel to reestablish deterrence in a major way by responding far more strongly than the initial attack. He suggested that Israel should use the attack as an opportunity to destroy Iran’s nuclear weapons program. Despite the attack, Bolton believes the Iranian government looks weak.
Bolton also criticized the Biden administration for what he viewed as a weak posture toward Iran. The United States assisted Israel in countering the assault by intercepting numerous Iranian drones and missiles. On Sunday, White House national security communications advisor John Kirby stated that President Biden did not want to engage in a wider conflict with Iran, leaving it up to Israel to decide on its response. Kirby reiterated the U.S.’s unwavering support for Israel’s self-defense in the face of attacks. The world is now watching to see how Israel will choose to respond to the Iranian attack.