Historian Warns Democrats Could Turn US Against Israel

American conservative historian Victor Davis Hanson has warned that a potential future Democratic administration in the United States could fundamentally alter U.S. policy towards Israel, potentially positioning the Jewish state as an adversary. Hanson expressed concern in an interview with The Daily Signal that growing sentiments within the Democratic Party, which he described as increasingly susceptible to antisemitism, could lead to significant shifts in Middle Eastern policy. He suggested that such an administration might resume funding to Hamas, remove the Houthi rebels from terror watchlists, and adopt a more favorable stance towards groups hostile to Israel. "I can imagine a moment when Israel becomes an enemy of the United States, at least in the eyes of an administration," Hanson stated.

Beyond the U.S.-Israel relationship, Hanson also addressed policy towards Iran, criticizing the perceived indecisiveness of the current U.S. administration between diplomacy and military action. He urged former President Donald Trump to abandon negotiations with Tehran and instead launch a strike against Iran's nuclear infrastructure, specifically mentioning an underground facility at Mount Pikax south of Natanz. Hanson proposed a direct military operation using stealth bombers, followed by intensified sanctions, support for internal opposition groups, and ensuring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. He believes the U.S. should then withdraw, allowing international isolation and internal pressure to weaken the Iranian regime.

Hanson also criticized past U.S. presidents for their reluctance to confront Iran decisively, suggesting seven previous leaders avoided taking responsibility despite understanding the threat. He noted that Trump should have better prepared the American public for the potential consequences and costs of confronting Iran.

In a separate piece for The Free Press, Hanson assessed Trump's post-election political standing, suggesting that despite Republican setbacks in the midterms and a stronger Democratic presence in Congress, Trump retains some foreign policy flexibility. However, he indicated that Trump's legacy and future political standing will largely depend on the state of the U.S. economy and the success of achieving Iran's denuclearization.

Separately, the article mentions that newly elected U.S. Senator Abdul El-Sayed, a Democrat, has supported Trump's decision to cease military aid to Israel.