ritic of the war in Gaza) were two cautious individuals who had been in war themselves, before the days when Israel had an overwhelming advantage in every situation. but let’s not pretend the entire Israel lobbying operation, run by many people with strong Israeli ties in the U.S, did not massively shape the ultra tough framework approach to Iraq over many years before the Iraq war. But yes there is much more evidence of direct and critical Israeli influence in relation to the current war. Israel actually launched an unprovoked attack on Iran just 9 months ago, effectively forcing Trump into the position of joining the war or looking weak and ineffectual. From Rubio’s recent remarks about the new attack, it seems quite clear Israel was going to go again “come what may” whatever Trump decided. That again would have forced Trump’s hand and Trump would be acutely aware of this when weighing up the decision. Technically Trump wasn’t “forced” into anything but it’s almost impossible to imagine him allowing himself to look foolish and weak again on Fox News. The Israelis played him well.