Joe Kent Makes Genuine Plea To Trump: "Address The Israeli Issue" https://t.co/X7r7QH58ir
— zerohedge (@zerohedge) March 23, 2026
Recently-resigned director of the U.S. National Counterterrorism Center Joe Kent told antiwar.com editor Scott Horton that a narrow window for de-escalation still exists, but only if Donald Trump is willing to confront what Kent repeatedly described as the core constraint on U.S. strategy: Israel.
“I think he’s got to address the Israeli issue first and foremost… and demand and force them to stop going on the offense.”
Kent addressed Trump’s recent public comments urging restraint, specifically that Israel halt strikes on energy infrastructure, but warned that rhetorical pressure alone would prove ineffective. According to Kent, past behavior suggests compliance would be temporary at best.
“If you tell them that they need to stop… they might back off for a week or so, but they’re not going to listen to you.”
“Take Away Their Ability”
Kent outlined what he sees as the only viable leverage: withdrawing U.S. defensive support unless Israel shifts fully to a defensive posture.
https://www.zerohedge.com/geopolitical/joe-kent-makes-genuine-plea-trump-address-israeli-issue