Former White House national security adviser John Bolton sharply criticized the Biden administration Sunday for speaking publicly against the possibility of Israel striking nuclear sites or oil fields in Iran.
They’ll make up their minds in Jerusalem when they think they’re ready and they reach agreement inside the Cabinet.” Bolton further criticized Biden for wading into the public debate on what steps Israel ought to take now.
“I just think it’s wrong for an American president to speak publicly about what an American ally might do to an American enemy,” Bolton said.
“We sure wouldn’t appreciate it if our quote, unquote allies were doing that to us.” The Hill has reached out to the White House for a response.
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On Sunday, the Biden administration came under heavy fire from former White House national security adviser John Bolton for openly opposing Israel’s potential to strike Iranian nuclear facilities or oil fields.
President Biden said at a press conference on Friday, “If I were in their shoes, I’d be thinking about other alternatives than striking oil fields,” which Bolton addressed in an interview with Chris Stirewalt on NewsNation’s “The Hill.”. “.
Upon hearing those statements, along with Biden’s remark criticizing Israeli strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, Bolton said, “My first reaction was, it was just incompetence, or maybe it was mental capacity, or lack thereof.”. “.
But according to Bolton, Biden is currently attempting to avert a more protracted dispute before the election in November.
However, I believe it’s fairly obvious that he’s trying to exert pressure on Israel based on a number of things he’s said, such as one day last week when he said, “Well, the Israeli attack won’t occur tonight.”. I believe he is attempting to categorize him. His only concern, in my opinion, is keeping this from getting worse before November. 5.” Bolton stated, adding that he believed that the price of petroleum was “one aspect” of that dynamic.
Israel is in a challenging situation in a “tough neighborhood,” Bolton said, adding that “they can’t really calibrate what they’re going to do to suit Joe Biden’s electoral concerns.” Bolton implied that he didn’t think Israel would necessarily be guided by American advice. As soon as they believe they are ready and the Cabinet comes to a consensus, they will make their decision in Jerusalem. “.
Bolton went on to criticize Biden for entering the public discussion about what actions Israel should take at this time.
“I simply believe that a public speech by an American president discussing the potential actions of an ally against an enemy is inappropriate,” Bolton stated. If our allies were treating us that way, we would not be happy about it. “.
The White House has been contacted by The Hill to request a response.
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