Prof. Stephen Walt to Yeni Şafak: Israel pursues regional hegemony with US support

One of the world's most influential political scientists, Prof. Stephen M. Walt from Harvard University—who shapes global discourse on international security and US foreign policy through his courses and publications, including critiques of Israel's impact on US policy—spoke to Yeni Şafak. Commenting on Israel's role in US Middle East policies and its influence on decision-making in Washington, Walt stated that Tel Aviv is chasing regional hegemony and sustaining this claim with US support. He identified one reason for the rising tension between Türkiye and Israel as Tel Aviv viewing Türkiye as a rival in this hegemonic struggle, adding that Israel's actions in Gaza toward Palestinians, which carry the character of genocide, are deepening the rift. Walt noted that Israel tried to drag the US into war with Iran during the 12-day wars, and that the current escalation in US-Iran tensions stems from Washington—eager for regime change—seeing Tehran as too weak to retaliate.

US Support for Israel Will Become Harder as Awareness Grows

Walt commented that Israel's pursuit of regional hegemony is fueling tensions in the Middle East, stating: “US President Donald Trump applied some pressure on Netanyahu for a ceasefire in Gaza (which Israel repeatedly violated), yet continued unconditional diplomatic and military support toward Israel. Israel's regional ambitions depend on this support.” He added that “public opinion in the US is turning against Israel,” and “as more people recognize Israel's intentions, sustaining this will become harder for the US.”

​Israel Sees Türkiye as a Rival

Walt noted that Israel views Türkiye as a rival in its regional hegemony claim, saying: “This is definitely a factor in the tension between the two countries. Türkiye's stance against the genocide in Gaza and its positions opposing Israeli policies are increasing this tension. Israel's approach to Palestinians, especially the genocide-like actions in Gaza, is worsening it further.”

​Lobby's Power Suppresses Americans

Emphasizing the Israeli lobby's enduring strong influence in US politics, Walt said: “However, its actions are now better understood, and discussing them is no longer taboo. The Israeli lobby actively uses very dangerous methods to align politicians and silence critics. Even though public opinion is rapidly changing, the lobby's power prevents politicians from adopting either the policies the public majority wants or steps in the US's own interest.”

​Israel Opposed Normalization

Walt stated that Israel tried to pull the US into war during the 12-day wars, adding: “Israel has long opposed US efforts to improve relations with Iran and hoped to convince the US to support regime change goals. Last year, they persuaded Trump to bomb Iran for a few days, but I think in the current crisis, the US won't go beyond using air power.”

​Iran Too Weak to Retaliate, Per Trump

Walt, noting decades of issues between the US and Iran and that Trump is the latest president pursuing regime change in Iran, evaluated the US stance on Iran's protests by saying: “They are taking more aggressive steps because they think Iran is defenseless and unable to retaliate.”

US-China Clash Biggest Threat

Walt warned that the most dangerous potential crisis in the next decade could erupt from a conflict between China and the US, stating: “Because they are the two strongest countries on the planet. If such a conflict happens, it would almost certainly occur in Asia. The Middle East will remain a dangerous place, but conflicts will likely stay confined to that region.” He noted that Trump is trying to force Latin American countries to economically distance themselves from China, but “this won't work either because the economic costs would be too great.”