The political tension surrounding Iran is intensifying, but this time, the spotlight isn’t just on President Donald Trump.
Steve Bannon, Trump’s former White House strategist and longtime ally, has shifted his criticism in a surprising direction — directly at Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Bannon Turns the Heat on Israel, Not Trump
During a fiery episode of his War Room podcast, Bannon held nothing back.
Instead of targeting Trump, Bannon accused Netanyahu and the Israeli government of trying to drag the United States deeper into conflict with Iran.
According to Bannon, this push is all part of a broader goal of regime change — one that he believes isn’t America’s responsibility to fulfill.
“Who in the hell are you to lecture the American people?” Bannon shouted in frustration.
He was clearly outraged at what he saw as attempts by Israel to influence both Trump and the American public into supporting military action against Iran.
‘Finish It Yourself,’ Bannon Tells Netanyahu
Bannon’s main gripe? That Israel wants help finishing something it started but won’t complete on its own.
He demanded that Netanyahu stop appealing to Washington and instead handle Iran’s nuclear threat independently.
“The American people are not going to tolerate it,” Bannon declared.
“Who are you to jam us into this situation? If you can finish the job, go finish it.”
Netanyahu Warns of a Threat Beyond the Middle East
Meanwhile, Netanyahu has been making his case to the public, arguing that Iran poses a threat far beyond Israel.
In a recent interview with ABC News, he warned, “Today, it’s Tel Aviv. Tomorrow, it’s New York.”
He also tried to appeal to Trump’s nationalist base, saying, “I understand ‘America First.’ I don’t understand ‘America Dead.’”
But Bannon wasn’t buying it. He saw it as emotional manipulation — an attempt to scare Americans into war without clear justification.
Demanding Accountability and Transparency
Bannon didn’t stop at criticism.
He pressed Netanyahu to back up his warnings with hard evidence.
“Why now?” he asked, referring to the timing of Israel’s strikes on Iran.
“Where’s the intelligence that says Iran is about to get a nuclear weapon?”
The implication was clear: Bannon believes Americans deserve transparency before getting pulled into another military conflict.
Pressure Mounts Around Trump’s Next Move
Bannon acknowledged that President Trump is under serious pressure, much of it from foreign actors and allies pushing him toward action.
But he emphasized that Trump isn’t someone who jumps into war lightly.
“If Trump decides to go in,” Bannon explained, “it won’t be because he’s reckless.
It’ll be because he’s been backed into a corner and has weighed all the options.”
Even so, Bannon insisted that any military move must be rooted in clear reasoning and full disclosure.
Warning Against Manipulation from Allies
In one of his more pointed remarks, Bannon scolded Netanyahu for behaving like a manipulative ally.
“That’s not what allies do,” he said.
“Allies don’t rope each other into messes and expect the other to clean it up.”
Bannon’s message was sharp — and deeply personal: Israel needs to take responsibility for the conflict it started, and stop expecting the U.S. to swoop in and save the day.
Trust in Trump, But Caution First
Even as he voiced frustration, Bannon ended with a vote of confidence in Trump.
“We have enough faith in President Trump and his judgment,” he said.
But he warned that before any decision is made, “all the cards need to be on the table.”
What’s Next?
With tensions still rising and no final decision from Trump, the next move remains uncertain.
But one thing is clear: Bannon has drawn a firm line in the sand.
He’s not against military action entirely — but he’s adamantly against being pushed into it by anyone, including America’s closest allies.
Now all eyes are on Trump.
Will he stand firm against outside pressure or respond with force?
The world is watching.