Bolton Blasts U.S. and Israel for ‘Massive Failure’ in Iran Deterrence

Former U.S. National Security Adviser John Bolton, known as a hardliner, has criticized the U.S. and Israel for not fully utilizing their deterrence capabilities against Iran’s attack on Israel.

During his interview with CNN on the 14th (local time), Bolton stated, “We witnessed a massive failure of Israeli and American deterrence,” referring to the Iranian attack, “200 ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones were shot down.” He continued, “Although it appears that the damage was minimal, we still have to wait for the final assessment,” and “If the number of casualties is low or non-existent, we thank God.”

Bolton described the U.S. and Israeli defense as a deterrence failure due to the intensity of their response. Deterrence refers to maintaining military power to prevent an opponent’s attack regarding security. He pointed out that a more substantial retaliation is needed against a preemptive attack from the opponent for proper deterrence.

He emphasized, “There will be a response from Israel,” and “In my opinion, Israel’s response should not be proportional,” adding, “If deterrence has failed, there is no choice but to respond more forcefully to remind the enemy that there is nothing to be gained from further attacks but more damage.”

As Israel’s wartime cabinet is scheduled to discuss its response to Iran’s attack on the 14th, the West, including the U.S., is trying to restrain escalation in the Middle East.

U.S. President Joe Biden reportedly told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a phone the previous day that he opposes any counterattack on Iran and that the U.S. would not participate. John Kirby, the National Security Communications Advisor to the White House National Security Council, also appeared on U.S. media on the same day, reiterating that “President Biden does not want a war with Iran.”

Meanwhile, Bolton also criticized former President Trump, whom he had served. The former president Trump recently claimed in a meeting with his supporters that “it would not have happened if I was in office.” In response, Bolton said, “I think Trump is delusional about this point,” and “He has no idea what to do in the Middle East in such a situation.”