Prominent conservative figures, including Steve Bannon, are urging Donald Trump to keep the US out of the Israel-Iran war. This development marks a significant split within Trump’s base, with some conservative voices speaking out against further US involvement in the conflict. Bannon, a former chief strategist for Trump, has been vocal about his opposition to the war, citing the need to prioritize American national interests over those of Israel.
Bannon’s stance is not rooted in moral objections to Israel’s actions, but rather in a desire to protect American interests. He argues that Israel’s “Israel First” policy is not aligned with US goals and that a genuine “America First” policy should not obey Israel’s lead. This perspective has gained traction among some conservatives, including media personality Tucker Carlson, who has also spoken out against US involvement in the war.
Carlson has named several high-profile figures, including Sean Hannity, Mark Levin, and Rupert Murdoch, as “warmongers” who are pushing for US military involvement in the conflict. These individuals are all staunch supporters of Israel, with some having received awards for their support of the country. Miriam Adelson, the widow of Sheldon Adelson, has also been a significant donor to Trump’s campaigns and has been a vocal supporter of Israel.
Meanwhile, Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene has taken to social media to express her opposition to further US involvement in wars abroad. She argues that the US is already deeply in debt and has its own problems to address, rather than getting entangled in foreign conflicts. Greene’s stance has been seen as a reflection of the growing sentiment among some conservatives that the US should prioritize its own interests and avoid getting drawn into costly and unnecessary wars.
The divide within the conservative movement over the Israel-Iran war reflects a broader debate about the role of the US in the world. While some conservatives believe that the US should prioritize its own national interests and avoid foreign entanglements, others see the country as a global leader with a responsibility to defend its allies and promote democracy.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Trump will respond to the pressure from his conservative base. With the US already providing air defense to Israel, the country is effectively an “active combatant” in the conflict. The question now is whether Trump will deepen US involvement in the war or take a step back and prioritize American interests. The outcome will have significant implications for the US, Israel, and the wider region.
