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John Bolton, former Trump adviser, in interview to Israel's @MakorRishon. Criticizes Trump for emboldening Iran & Russia in Syria and for naive receptivity to diplomacy with Iran. Faults Kushner for opposing Annexation.
Main quotes below. https://www.makorrishon.co.il/news/254079/
Main quotes below. https://www.makorrishon.co.il/news/254079/
Bolton faults Trump for growing #Iranian and #Russian presence in #Syria and Lebanon: "Undoubtedly, the withdrawal of US troops from Syrian territory contributed greatly to the increased fighting by the Russians and the Iranians". 1/
Bolton on Trump's naivete toward Iran: "European & other pressure to return to negotiations on a new nuclear agreement always found a receptive ear with the President, who constantly seeks to reach agreements with everyone. Am sure it won't take much for him to cross the line" 2/
"The President aspired to meet Iranian leaders, be it Rouhani or Khamenai... They're willing to meet so as to ease sanctions & buy time for their nuclear designs... This is a great danger... I am worried. I don't know who would take a harsher line toward Iran, Biden or Trump". 3/
Bolton on Annexation: "There were many discussions but it did not happen so far and I am convinced this is because of Kushner's opposition... I know he is against, and he even opposes that the President will recognize sovereignty if Israel will do so [annex]". 4/
"The longer the list of White House officials who resign, the greater Kushner's influence becomes. I don't know what Ambassador Friedman will do. He did great work as Ambassador during the last four years. He might be replaced". 5/
"I don't think it [the Plan of the Century] will lead anywhere. I thought it was a correct move to take advantage of geo-strategic changes in the region... But the problem is that the plan was postponed for so long that it lost the chance of bearing fruits". 6/
"I told Kushner that had he come out with his plan during the first year of the President, it would have had far better chances than the fourth year, a Presidential campaign year. Now almost certainly no one will take it seriously". 7/
"In the Israeli coalition's situation today it's not easy to decide on annexation... It depends where the [annexation] line will pass, but I believe that because it is about areas that anyway will remain under Israeli rule, recognizing reality is a good move on road to peace". 8/
"However, I assume the Israeli government would not want to do anything without having the US's approval. This means there won't be any sovereignty [Annexation] before the elections". 9/9
