In a powerful interview with Joe Pags, Lt. Col. Jeffrey Addicott provides in-depth analysis of the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, emphasizing that there is no moral equivalence between the two sides. Addicott points out that Israel is rightfully defending itself from unprovoked terrorist attacks. He dismisses the notion of a two-state solution, citing that terrorist groups like Hamas will never stop their violence.
Addicott also highlights the broader implications of this conflict, arguing that weak U.S. leadership under the Biden-Harris administration has emboldened adversaries like Iran to act more aggressively. He suggests that during the Trump administration, stronger deterrence measures kept these actors in check, whereas now, the perception of American weakness has allowed Iran to push forward with its nuclear ambitions.
On the topic of Iran’s nuclear program, Addicott notes that many in the Middle East, including some Arab nations, might privately celebrate if Israel were to successfully neutralize Iran’s nuclear capabilities. He believes this would be seen as a necessary defensive measure to maintain stability in the region.
Shifting to domestic concerns, Addicott voices frustration with the U.S. government’s decision to send additional funding to Ukraine while domestic issues, such as hurricane recovery and border security, remain unresolved. He expresses concern that American priorities are misaligned and that the nation is not doing enough to address its own crises while focusing too heavily on international conflicts.
Lt. Col. Jeffrey Addicott, a prominent expert on terrorism law and U.S. foreign policy, currently serves as the Director of the Center for Terrorism Law at St. Mary’s University School of Law. With over 20 years of experience in the U.S. Army Special Forces as a legal advisor, Addicott brings unparalleled insight into issues like the Israel-Hamas conflict, the threat posed by Iran, and the overall U.S. strategy in the Middle East. As both a professor and a seasoned military expert, he is uniquely qualified to comment on the complexities of terrorism and defense, making his perspective highly valuable in today’s geopolitical landscape.
For more of Lt. Col. Jeffrey Addicott’s insights on these critical issues, watch the full interview below.