John Bolton calls on Israel to ‘destroy’ Iran’s nuclear weapons, wants ‘far stronger’ attack on Iran

Bolton, a former Trump adviser and UN ambassador in the George W. Bush administration, made the comments to CNN anchor Wolf Blitzer.

"What we had tonight was a massive failure of Israeli and American deterrence. Massive failure," said Bolton. "A 200 ballistic missile, cruise missile, drone failure."

"I think notwithstanding that there appears to be very little damage, fingers crossed, until we get the final assessment," continued Bolton.

Bolton said that Israel should "reestablish deterrence in a major way.

"I think that means by definition, Israel's response, and there should be a response, should not be proportionate. It should be far stronger because when deterrence fails to re-establish, you have to teach the adversary that any gain they may hope to get by any future attack will be more than outweighed by the damage that will be called," said Bolton.

Bolton, who was a player in the Trump administration's withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal, called on Israel to destroy Iran's nuclear weapons program.

"I think among the many targets Israel should consider, this is the opportunity to destroy Iran's nuclear weapons program," said Bolton. "I hope President Biden is not trying to dissuade Prime Minister Netanyahu from doing that."

Looking for clarification, CNN's Wolf Blitzer asked Bolton, "You're recommending that Israel launch an airstrike to try to destroy whatever nuclear capabilities the Iranians might have?"

Bolton responded, "Right. I think they should go after the nuclear fuel cycle, activities that are well known, their locations are well known. I think that would be the appropriate target because right now Iran has demonstrated it is not restrained by any concern about a direct attack on Israeli territory from its attack."

"It has, by its own admission," Bolton contended, "fired ballistic and cruise missiles, and the only thing that has saved Israel is this amazing technology."

"Next time, if the attacks come from a different location containing nuclear warheads, Israel might not be so lucky," he concluded.

On Saturday, Iran launched a significant drone and missile attack on Israel in response to Israel assassinating one of Iran's top generals who was reportedly involved in planning the Palestinian Hamas terror group's Oct. 7 terrorist attack on Israel.

President Biden condemned the attack on Sunday but told Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu that he would not support a counterattack.