Mark Levin, one of the most prominent conservative voices in the United States, opened his program with a sharp attack on Washington figures whom he said belittle and smear Israel while trying to force it into a security line on Iran. Levin is a well-known Fox News host and national radio presenter with an audience of millions, and he is regarded as a forceful spokesman for the Republican right and as influential among parts of Donald Trump’s base.
Levin said, “Stop belittling, smearing and picking on the small State of Israel.” He rejected efforts to portray Iran’s regime as rational or moderate, calling it a regime that, in his words, has massacred tens of thousands and still executes young people. He added that if Iran had a nuclear missile today, it would launch it at the United States.
He also sent a direct warning to those seeking to constrain Israel, saying anyone who thinks they can abuse a small country and make it give up its right to defend itself is making a grave mistake. Levin said the Jewish people have existed for thousands of years, survived the Babylonians, Persians, Romans and the Third Reich, and will not surrender decision-making over their own security.
Levin said he was “shocked” by the change in tone toward Israel, especially after American officials had recently spoken about close military cooperation against the Iranian enemy. “This is not right, it is not just, and it is not true,” he said, expressing hope that the approach would end soon. The broader significance, the article said, is that criticism of U.S. pressure on Israel is now coming from inside the American conservative camp as well, amid a growing dispute over Iran and Israel’s freedom of action.
