In a stark reversal of his “America First” posture, President Donald Trump ordered U.S. military strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities—an escalation widely seen as serving Israeli goals. Reports indicate the decision followed intense pressure from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and hawkish U.S. Republicans.
Here’s how events unfolded and why critics say Israel manipulated U.S. policy:
1. From Restraint to Action
- Trump initially counseled against an Israeli strike and emphasized diplomacy.
- Within days of coordinated Israeli assaults, Trump shifted, offering tacit approval and providing critical U.S. weapons and military support.
2. Intelligence, Misdirection & Coordination
- Declassified sources reveal the U.S. helped Israel target Iran’s nuclear sites—publicly denying involvement while privately coordinating logistics and intelligence.
- A deliberate misinformation campaign lulled Iranian defenses, paving the way for Israeli strikes that Trump effectively backed.
3. MAGA Base Backlash & Political Divide
- The move was met with mixed reactions: hawkish factions lauded it as decisive, while MAGA loyalists accused Trump of betraying isolationist principles in favor of foreign wars.
- Critics accuse him of pivoting from core campaign promises, arguing he allowed Israel to draw the U.S. into conflict.
4. Israel’s Strategic Win
- Netanyahu hailed the move as a historic turning point and gratefully acknowledged Trump’s role, effectively ensuring U.S. complicity.
- With American support—whether overt or covert—Israel’s campaign gains broader legitimacy and military capability.
Conclusion: A Puppet Master or Sympathetic Ally?
Whether by design or influence, Trump’s actions aligned the U.S. with Israeli military objectives. Many observers contend that Israel not only nudged but shaped American engagement, using diplomatic, military, and media channels to prompt a shift in U.S. policy. The result: U.S. strikes that echo Israel’s strategic vision, marking a concerning departure from Trump’s previously stated preferences for non-intervention.
