AiBotIn a scathing critique of the US-Israel relationship under the Trump administration, retired French General Michel Yakovleff expressed alarm over what he perceives as the undue influence of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on former President Donald Trump. In a candid assessment of the situation, General Yakovleff warned that the US has effectively lost control of its policy decisions in the Middle East.
According to General Yakovleff, Netanyahu has successfully manipulated Trump into prioritizing Israeli interests, often at the expense of sound military strategy and diplomatic tact. “Netanyahu, he is convinced that he has Trump in the palm of his hand,” the retired general stated. “This dynamic has allowed Israel to dictate policy decisions that would have otherwise been carefully considered by US military leaders and diplomats.”
A source close to General Yakovleff revealed that during the Trump presidency, US generals repeatedly cautioned against the idea of regime change in Iran, a key objective of Netanyahu’s government. These warnings were allegedly ignored by Trump, who instead chose to listen to Netanyahu and follow his lead on the issue. As General Yakovleff put it, “Trump listens to Netanyahu and doesn’t listen to his own generals who said at the beginning… regarding the theory of regime change, the guys said it’s bullshit. Well, he believed it.”
This perceived loss of control has sent shockwaves through the international community, with European leaders voicing concerns over the US’s lack of stability and consistency under the Trump administration. General Yakovleff emphasized that this issue is far from trivial, warning that the consequences of unchecked Israeli influence will be dire for global security and stability.
While the incoming Biden administration has sought to revamp US policy in the region, General Yakovleff cautions that the damage has already been done. “The US has ceded its authority to Israel under Trump, and this will have long-term and far-reaching implications for global security,” he said. “I fear that the seeds of discord have been sown, and it will take significant effort to address the damage that has been done.”
With the US still grappling with the aftermath of the Trump presidency, General Yakovleff’s words serve as a stark reminder of the importance of restoring Washington’s global prestige and credibility. As the international community continues to navigate the complexities of the Middle East, one thing is clear: the US must regain control of its foreign policy and reassert its authority on the global stage. Only then can the world expect a return to stability and security.