By OBBM Network Editorial Staff

Derived from an episode of Securing America.

When a president publicly backs a foreign leader, the world takes notice – especially when the endorsement comes with a warning that the stakes could soon rise from diplomatic maneuvering to open confrontation.

Trump’s Endorsement and Its Timing

Frank Gaffney opened the program by noting President Trump’s recent declaration supporting Israel’s current prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, just days before Israel’s national election. Gaffney emphasized that Trump’s timing was intentional, linking the endorsement to a broader strategic goal: the possible escalation against the Iranian regime. According to Dr. David Wormser, a former naval intelligence officer and senior advisor who now leads the Center for Security Policy’s Middle‑East program, Trump’s message was clear – the United States needs a “battle‑tested” Israeli leader willing to act decisively.

Wormser explained that Trump does not “count on any other prime minister,” indicating a lack of confidence in the alternative candidate. He described the track record as “catastrophically failed” in both the October 7 terror attacks and the 2006 Lebanon war, arguing that a diplomatic‑first approach could leave Israel vulnerable.

The Israeli Election Landscape

The upcoming Israeli vote pits Netanyahu against a coalition led by a figure who represents the security establishment’s more cautious stance. Wormser warned that the strategy of seeking third‑party solutions – such as relying on Turkey or the Muslim Brotherhood in Lebanon to counter Hezbollah – would only “create a greater threat” on Israel’s northern border. He argued that this reliance on external actors undermines Israel’s own defensive capabilities.

In contrast, Wormser praised Netanyahu’s recent actions, noting that the prime minister has taken steps to strengthen Israel’s strategic position not only against Hamas and Hezbollah but also in the broader regional contest with Iran. He highlighted Israel’s cooperation with the United Arab Emirates and its positioning in Somaliland as part of a “geostrategic” effort to counter the Muslim Brotherhood’s influence emanating from Ankara and Damascus.

Finishing the Job: The Trump Administration’s Plan for Iran

When asked what “finishing the job” looks like, Wormser laid out a four‑pronged approach. First, he called for arming Iranian opposition forces. Second, he urged a clear public statement that the United States is “done with that regime and we are going to bring it down.” Third, he described a “chokehold” strategy, coordinated with allies like Scott Bissantz, to apply relentless military pressure on Iranian targets.

Finally, Wormser stressed the need for continuous, unpredictable attacks to keep Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) on edge, forcing internal power struggles. He likened the regime to a “government built of a bunch of mafias,” suggesting that sustained pressure would spark internecine conflict, ultimately weakening Tehran from within.

The Role of the Iranian Military

Addressing a listener’s question about the Iranian regular army, Wormser clarified that the army differs from the ideologically driven IRGC. While the IRGC serves as the regime’s core power structure, the conventional army is a parallel force that has historically been kept under tight political control. He warned that the IRGC’s infiltration of the army makes any potential defection uncertain, underscoring the complexity of any strategy that hopes the regular forces might side with opposition elements.

Wormser’s historical reference to the “political officer on the submarine” during the Cold War illustrated how the regime embeds loyalists throughout the military, making a clean break unlikely without sustained external pressure.

Implications for U.S. Policy and the Future of the Region

The conversation concluded with a reflection on how the alignment of a re‑elected Netanyahu and a President Trump unimpeded by a Democratic Congress could reshape the Middle East. Wormser argued that a united front would enable the United States to pursue a decisive campaign against Iran, while also ensuring Israel remains the primary bulwark against regional threats.

Gaffney summed up the stakes, noting that the “owner’s manual for protecting the country we love” now includes a clear directive: support a strong Israeli leadership and press forward on a comprehensive strategy to dismantle the Iranian regime before it can further destabilize the region.

As the two men emphasized, the window for decisive action is narrowing, and the choices made in the coming weeks could define the security landscape for years to come.

The full episode of Securing America is available on OBBM Network TV.