In a sharp deviation from the usual Republican orthodoxy, Steve Bannon has ignited controversy by stating bluntly: “Israel is not an ally. They’re a protectorate.” The comment, delivered during a Thursday WarRoom broadcast, signals a potential recalibration within the America First movement’s foreign policy stance—one that prioritizes national sovereignty and accountability over reflexive alliances, even with traditionally “untouchable” partners like Israel.
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Bannon’s words come amid escalating unrest in the Middle East and a deepening skepticism among populist conservatives over the U.S. role in foreign conflicts. “They haven’t been involved in really anything on Alliance,” Bannon continued, referencing Israel’s lack of participation in the U.S.-led operation that took out Qassem Soleimani in 2020. “When Soleimani was taken out, they did not participate, right? They did not participate.”
That pointed observation is more than a historical footnote. For Bannon, it’s proof of an imbalanced relationship—one where the United States continually extends military, financial, and diplomatic support to a state that does not reciprocate in meaningful strategic operations. The implication is clear: Israel benefits from American power but rarely shares the burden. In Bannon’s words, that makes them a “protectorate”—a dependent nation shielded by U.S. muscle, not a sovereign partner pulling its own weight.
The timing of Bannon’s statement is significant. Just days after reports of internal tensions between the Biden White House and Israeli leadership, Bannon hinted at further revelations: “There’s going to be, I think, some stories coming out here today or tomorrow. My understanding of certain behaviors that were not judged appropriate by the White House.” Though he remained cautious about the specifics—“We’ll let all that play out and see the sourcing of that”—the suggestion was unmistakable: something happened behind the scenes that further undermined trust.
It’s a rare moment when a key figure of the MAGA right publicly questions the “special relationship” between America and Israel. But it also reflects a broader realignment happening within nationalist circles. Bannon and others are no longer willing to rubber-stamp Israel’s actions or continue writing blank checks when American interests may not be served in return.
And yet, Bannon doesn’t deny Israel’s right to exist or defend itself. What he challenges is the unquestioned loyalty from U.S. leaders, especially when domestic priorities—like border security, inflation, and job creation—remain unresolved. This is foreign policy realism, stripped of emotion and rooted in strategic self-interest.
“Let all that play out,” Bannon concluded. “We’ll see what the White House pushes back on. But she doesn’t have to.” In that cryptic final remark, Bannon appeared to be referencing press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, suggesting that silence from the administration might confirm the legitimacy of what’s about to be revealed.
Ultimately, Bannon’s statement is a wake-up call. Not just about Israel, but about every alliance that takes U.S. support for granted. For the America First movement, it’s not betrayal—it’s business. The time for blind allegiance is over. The age of transactional foreign policy has arrived.