Former U.S. National Security Council senior advisor Negah Angha said Donald Trump can influence the pace and scale of Israeli military action [1].
This dynamic is critical because it suggests the U.S. executive branch can set the political boundaries for Israeli operations, particularly when Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu requires Washington's diplomatic or military backing [1].
Speaking in an interview with France 24, Angha, who is now a visiting fellow at King’s College London, said the U.S. maintains significant sway over the timing and scope of Israeli responses [1]. She said that this influence is most potent when Israel seeks a unified front with its primary ally, a necessity for larger-scale strategic maneuvers.
Angha said that this leverage serves a broader geopolitical purpose regarding Tehran. She said, "He is wanting to signal to Iran that he can deliver Israel if Tehran signs a deal" [1].
According to Angha, the strategy involves demonstrating that the U.S. can either facilitate or restrain Israeli actions to incentivize Iran to enter into a nuclear agreement [1]. By positioning himself as the arbiter of Israeli military limits, Trump can present a tangible reward or a credible threat to Iranian leadership [1].
This approach links the immediate tactical decisions of the Israeli Defense Forces to the long-term diplomatic goals of the U.S. administration [1]. Angha said, "Trump can influence the pace, the scale and just the overall political boundaries of Israeli action, especially when Israeli PM Netanyahu needs Washington's backing" [1].
“Trump can influence the pace, the scale and just the overall political boundaries of Israeli action”
The analysis suggests that U.S. influence over Israel is not merely a matter of bilateral support, but a strategic tool used to pressure Iran. By controlling the 'political boundaries' of Israeli military activity, the U.S. can create a high-stakes environment where Iran's decision to sign a nuclear deal directly impacts the level of military pressure it faces from Israel.
