As tensions between Israel and Iran reach a boiling point, Steve Bannon, the former White House Chief Strategist, has offered his perspective on how President Donald Trump could potentially secure support from the MAGA base for U.S. military intervention. In a recent interaction with the press in Washington, D.C., Bannon addressed the reticence of Trump's support base towards Middle Eastern conflicts but pointed out that with strategic communication, Trump could rally support.
The remarks were made at a Christian Science Monitor breakfast on Wednesday, where Bannon highlighted the challenges in gaining backing for military action. "You've walked us through this. We don't like it. In fact, maybe we hate it, but, you know, we'll get on board," Bannon stated, suggesting that the base could be swayed despite initial resistance.
Bannon's comments come at a critical juncture, as Israel intensified its military actions last Friday with air strikes on Iran's underground nuclear facilities, which led to the deaths of top Iranian generals and significant damage to crucial infrastructure. In response, Iran launched attacks on Israeli targets, exacerbating the risk of a broader conflict.
Israel has reached out to the U.S. for direct military aid, specifically requesting bombs capable of penetrating heavily fortified nuclear sites. While traditionally many Trump supporters have opposed new military ventures, Bannon emphasized that Israel should assume full responsibility for its actions: "The Israelis have to finish what they started. They started this. They should finish it."
Despite his stance that Israel should continue independently, Bannon acknowledged that if diplomatic efforts fall short, Trump could face the need to act decisively. Trump's administration has attempted to curtail Iran's nuclear ambitions through economic negotiations, but progress has stalled.
Bannon criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for initiating the strikes without assessing U.S. public opinion thoroughly: "You have to think this through at this level. And the American people have to be on board. You just can't dump it on them," highlighting the political risks of unilateral action.
The unfolding events have triggered a sharp divide within the GOP, as evidenced by a recent on-air clash between former Fox News host Tucker Carlson and Texas Senator Ted Cruz. Cruz has expressed unwavering support for Israel's military actions, while Carlson has adopted a more guarded approach, warning against another potential war in the region.
If Trump chooses to support Israeli military efforts, Bannon suggests that effective messaging and leadership could unite the America First movement behind a limited strike, despite its general opposition to foreign interventions. The growing disagreement within the conservative movement underscores the broader debate about U.S. policy in the Middle East—balancing caution with the perceived necessity of a strong stance to prevent Iran from developing nuclear capabilities.
In the coming weeks, Trump's decisions—whether diplomatic or military—will not only shape the U.S. response but also influence the internal dynamics of the Republican Party. Bannon's insights underscore the importance of Trump's communication strategy in maintaining base support.
